Omotayo Adigun
Lagos residents and the tech community are demanding justice following the tragic death of Adetunji Opayele, also known as Teejay, the co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Bumpa.
Opayele died on March 4, 2025, after a fatal collision on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island, amid allegations of reckless driving and medical negligence.
A Change.org petition calling for justice has garnered over 35,000 signatures, alleging that the driver, Biola Adams-Odutayo, recklessly struck Opayele at around 10:20 PM as he was exiting a gym. Petitioners claim she failed to yield and entered the expressway without caution, leading to the crash.
Shockingly, witnesses allege that Adams-Odutayo refused to assist the critically injured Opayele, reportedly prioritizing the condition of her vehicle over his life.
The petition further claims that multiple hospitals denied him treatment, resulting in fatal delays in receiving medical care. He was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
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The Lagos State Police Command, through spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Adams-Odutayo was arraigned on March 12 at Tinubu Magistrate Court 1 on charges of reckless and careless driving. However, this charge has sparked widespread dissatisfaction, with petitioners demanding a more severe manslaughter charge, citing gross negligence.
Adding to public frustration, the petition alleges that Adams-Odutayo ignored a police summons on March 17 and has boasted about her connections. Critics also question her swift release on bail after her arraignment.
Hundeyin has assured the public of transparency in the case, confirming that the court granted Adams-Odutayo bail and adjourned proceedings until April 16. However, many remain skeptical, calling for the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to intervene and ensure full accountability.
With growing public pressure, legal analysts suggest the case could be a litmus test for Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly in handling high-profile road fatality cases. As April 16 approaches, all eyes remain on the courts to see whether justice will be served.