“This is my own personal opinion that the trial is not really worth it. Because we think accidents can happen anywhere in the world.”
At the same time, he added, “we sense the opinion of the people of the town” is that “this man must be prosecuted. That he was over speeding”.
The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) in the Ogun state section of the highway, where the crash occurred, told AFP in the aftermath of the December 29 incident that its preliminary investigations showed that the vehicle was moving at an excessive speed and had a burst tyre before the collision.
Kayode’s court appearance was brief, as the judge adjourned the case until February 25 after the prosecution requested a delay.
His lawyer Olalekan Abiodun told journalists outside the courtroom that he agreed to the adjournment “in the interest of justice”.
Nigerian police and state officials said that Ayodele and Ghami died at the scene while Joshua and Kayode sustained minor injuries.
Ghami was Joshua’s long-time strength and conditioning coach, while Ayodele was his personal trainer, according to British media.
Adedamola Joshua told AFP that Kayode had been his nephew’s driver for three years and there had never been any complaints.
His nephew, a British national of Nigerian heritage, frequently visits southwest Nigeria, where he has friends and family.
– Agence France-Presse