By Ayomide Otitoju
The Janaza (Islamic funeral prayer) for two close associates of boxing star Anthony Joshua, who died in a road accident in Nigeria, is scheduled to be held on Sunday in London.
The deceased, identified as Sina Ghami and Abdul Latif Kevin Ayodele, lost their lives in the crash last Monday. Joshua was also involved in the accident but sustained only minor injuries.
The Janaza prayer is being held at the London Central Mosque, after which Ghami is expected to be laid to rest at the Hendon Cemetery and Crematorium from noon. A wake for both men is also planned for around 3 p.m. at the Cavendish Banqueting Hall in North West London.
Joshua, who was born in Watford and spent much of his early life in North London and Hertfordshire, was a passenger in a Lexus SUV that collided with a stationary truck. The former world heavyweight champion was treated for minor injuries and discharged from hospital on New Year’s Eve.
The bodies of Ghami and Ayodele were repatriated to the United Kingdom ahead of the funeral arrangements.
Both men were described as key members of Joshua’s inner circle, contributing significantly to his training and professional career. Their deaths have cast a sombre mood over what had been a celebratory period following the boxer’s recent victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.
Joshua, 36, who is of Nigerian heritage, had travelled to Nigeria for a holiday after the bout.
Meanwhile, the driver of the vehicle involved in the crash, Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, has been charged by the Ogun State Police Command with causing death by dangerous driving and driving without a valid licence. The case has been adjourned until January 20.
Kayode was granted bail in the sum of ₦5 million and remanded pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
