The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned Biola Adams-Odutayo in connection with the tragic death of Adetunji “Teejay” Opayele, co-founder of the Nigerian tech start-up Bumpa.
Opayele, a 32-year-old software engineer, lost his life in a fatal accident on 4 March 2025 along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos. According to reports, he was riding his power bike when he was allegedly struck by a vehicle driven by Adams-Odutayo, a healthcare professional employed at an insurance brokerage firm.
Public Outrage and Allegations of Negligence
The incident has ignited widespread public anger, with many Nigerians demanding justice. A petition on Change.org calling for immediate action by the authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police and Lagos State officials, has gained significant traction. The petition further alleged that Adams-Odutayo refused to assist the severely injured Opayele, reportedly out of concern that his blood might stain her vehicle.
Such accusations of inhumane indifference have only intensified public scrutiny, with critics questioning whether the legal system will deliver justice or protect the interests of the privileged.
Police Response and Legal Proceedings
On Saturday, Lagos police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed via a post on X that Adams-Odutayo had been arraigned following a “thorough investigation.”
“We can confirm that following a thorough investigation, Abiola Odutayo ‘f’ was arraigned in Court 1, Tinubu, on 12 March 2025, after she was discharged from hospital, for driving on a public highway in a reckless and careless manner without due care and attention to other road users and causing the death of one Tunji Opayele ‘m’ aged 32 and thereby committed an offence,” Hundeyin wrote.
He further stated that Adams-Odutayo was granted bail and that the case had been adjourned until 16 April 2025. Despite the police’s insistence on a commitment to “transparency, fairness, and justice,” doubts remain about whether the case will be pursued without bias.
Lingering Questions and Skepticism
The decision to grant bail to Adams-Odutayo, who is alleged to be responsible for the death of “Teejay” raises serious doubt on the impartiality of the legal process. Nigerians are unsettled by a prevailing occurrence in the handling of such high-profile cases, which often reflects a pattern of leniency when the accused is perceived to have social or financial privilege.
Moreover, concerns persist about whether the perpetrator is being arraigned for the right cause in court. Biola Adams-Odutayo is currently facing a reckless driving suit in court which netizens have argued ignores the real pain in the matter at hand.
A Test for Nigeria’s Justice System
The death of Adetunji Opayele and the subsequent legal proceedings against Biola Adams-Odutayo represent more than just an isolated traffic incident. They highlight broader concerns about accountability, legal equity, and the influence of social status in Nigeria’s justice system.
As the case moves forward, public scrutiny will likely intensify, with many watching closely to see whether justice will genuinely be served or if it will become another example of systemic inequality and judicial compromise. The upcoming court session on 16 April 2025 will be a crucial moment in determining whether the cries for justice will be answered or drowned out by legal maneuvering and privilege.
