Boxing legend Anthony Joshua narrowly avoided death in last week's fatal Nigeria car crash after switching positions within the vehicle moments before the collision, it has emerged.
The two-time heavyweight world champion had initially taken the front passenger seat when the journey from Lagos Airport began on Monday. However, his driver requested that he relocate to the rear of the SUV.
The reason for this request was straightforward: Joshua's substantial build was obstructing the driver's view of the wing mirror on the passenger side.
The 36-year-old boxer moved to sit directly behind the driver, with his friend Latif Ayodele taking his place in the front.
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This seemingly minor adjustment would prove to be the difference between life and death for the British fighter.
Kayode Adeniyi, the 47-year-old driver, faced court proceedings at Sagamu Magistrates' Court on Friday, where prosecutors brought four separate charges against him.
These included causing death by dangerous driving, reckless and negligent driving, driving without due care, and operating a vehicle without a valid driving licence.
Wearing a black kaftan, Adeniyi entered not guilty pleas to each charge as family members watched from the public gallery.
Anthony Joshua narrowly avoided death in the fatal Nigeria car crash after switching seats moments before the crash
| REUTERSThe driver, who had been part of Joshua's Nigerian logistics team for more than three years, maintains his innocence. He claims the vehicle's braking system malfunctioned, causing him to lose control.
Adeniyi had been discharged from hospital on New Year's Eve before providing a formal statement to police ahead of his court appearance.
Adeniyi's lawyer, Olalekan Abiodun, told the Daily Mail: "My client has pleaded not guilty and what happened was an accident, I haven't had a full chance to speak with him yet but I know he is saying the brakes did not work."
The driver's 19-year-old son, Ifeoluwa Adeniyi, spoke outside the court in defence of his father. He described him as a cautious motorist who had been adhering to the speed limit when the brakes suddenly stopped responding.
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The chauffeur that crashed the car carrying Anthony Joshua was charged
| FEDERAL ROAD SAFETY CORPS NIGERIAThe son explained: "He said he was pushing the pedal but nothing was happening."
He added that his father attempted to steer away from a truck that had been parked illegally at the roadside.
The court set bail at five million Naira, approximately £2,580, with the case adjourned until January 20.
The collision claimed the lives of Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele, both aged 36, who had been close friends of Joshua for years.
Five facts about boxing that fans might not know | GBNEWS/PABoth men were positioned on the passenger side of the Lexus SUV when it struck a stationary truck on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway – the very seats where Joshua had originally been sitting.
Ghami had served as Joshua's strength and conditioning coach, whilst Ayodele worked as a trainer in his team.
The group had arrived in Nigeria just hours before the crash, with Joshua planning to visit family in Sagamu and celebrate New Year. The boxer, born in Watford to British-Nigerian parents, had been holidaying following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
The remains of both victims were flown back to Britain on Friday morning via Istanbul on a Turkish Airlines cargo flight.
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