Outrage as ‘reckless driver kills’ tech entrepreneur in Lagos

The death of Adetunji Opayele, also known as Teejay, has sparked public outrage, with growing calls for justice amid allegations of negligence and an attempted cover-up.

Teejay, the co-founder and chief technical officer of Bumpa, a fast-growing Nigerian tech startup, was killed in a road accident on March 4 along Ozumba Mbadiwe road, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The 32-year-old software engineer was reportedly riding his power bike when he was allegedly hit by a vehicle driven by one Biola Adams-Odutayo, a healthcare professional working at an insurance brokering firm.

A petition demanding justice for Teejay has been launched on Change.org, urging authorities, including the inspector-general of police (IGP) and Lagos state officials, to take immediate action.

According to the petition, witnesses present claim that on the night of the accident, Adams-Odutayo, driving a car with license plate LND 418 JR, entered the expressway without watching traffic, colliding with Teejay.

Despite wearing full safety gear, Teejay was left unconscious on the road.

“After the crash, Biola Adams-Odutayo refused to step out of her vehicle to check on Teejay,” the petition reads.

“Bystanders and good Samaritans rushed to help, begging her to assist, but she did nothing. When they approached her friend, they were reportedly told, ‘She doesn’t want blood to stain her car.’

“As Teejay lay unconscious but still breathing, Biola, a healthcare professional and head of health at a reputable insurance brokering firm, chose to stay on a phone call for over 30 minutes instead of helping save a life.

“Meanwhile, bystanders desperately tried to get Teejay to a hospital. Many cars refused to stop, but they eventually convinced an Uber driver to assist.

“Teejay was taken to two different hospitals, but both refused to admit him.

“Desperate to save his life, the Samaritans returned to the accident scene, placed Teejay in a minibus (known as korope), and forced Biola to accompany them, hoping that her presence would prevent further rejections. She reluctantly followed.

“The only reason she remained at the accident scene was because bystanders physically prevented her from fleeing, especially after she had already arranged for her car to be towed away.

“At 11:30 PM, Teejay’s brother got a call about the incident; he got to the scene and met a Samaritan who had held on to Teejay’s properties.

“He handed them over to Teejay’s brother and followed him to the hospital Teejay was taken to. On arrival, he was told that Teejay was also just being brought in. This was past midnight. Shortly after arriving, Teejay was declared dead.”

The petition further alleged that after Teejay was pronounced dead, Adams-Odutayo walked into the hospital and requested a drip, claiming she was in shock, before attempting to flee the premises.

Although she was arrested, the petition claimed that she and her family had boasted about their “connections”.

She was reportedly charged only with reckless driving and was granted bail of N1 million and two sureties—conditions many believe do not reflect the severity of the case.

Teejay’s family, friends, and the public have launched a campaign, demanding justice.

They are demanding proof that Adams-Odutayo remains in Nigeria and is not fleeing accountability; an upgrade of the charges against her to include manslaughter; an intervention from the Lagos state ministry of justice to prevent an alleged cover-up; a commitment from the police and relevant authorities to ensure due process is followed; and lastly, support from public officials to ensure justice is served.

Supporters have also called on individuals with any evidence, including videos or eyewitness accounts, to come forward.