The tragic death of Adetunji Opayele, popularly known as Teejay, has ignited widespread public outrage, with increasing calls for justice amid allegations of negligence and an attempted cover-up.
Teejay, a 32-year-old software engineer and co-founder of Bumpa, a fast-growing Nigerian tech startup, was killed in a road accident on March 4 along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos State.
It was gathered that Teejay was riding his power bike when he was hit by a vehicle driven by Biola Adams-Odutayo, a healthcare professional employed at an insurance brokering firm.
A petition demanding justice for Teejay has since been launched on Change.org, urging authorities — including the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and Lagos State officials — to take swift action, according to PUNCH.
According to the petition, witnesses at the scene claimed that Adams-Odutayo, who was driving a car with license plate LND 418 JR, entered the expressway without checking for oncoming traffic, leading to the fatal collision.
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 stated.
The petition further stated, “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 entered the hospital and requested a drip, claiming she was in shock, before attempting to flee the premises.
Although she was later 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 set at N1 million with two sureties—a decision that many believe does not reflect the gravity of the case.
Teejay’s family, friends, and supporters have launched a campaign demanding justice.
They are calling for proof that Adams-Odutayo remains in Nigeria and is not fleeing accountability; upgrading of charges against her to include manslaughter; intervention from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice to prevent any alleged cover-up; commitment from the police and relevant authorities to ensure due process is followed, and public support to ensure justice is served.
Supporters have also urged individuals with any evidence, including videos or eyewitness accounts, to come forward.
The case has sparked intense public discourse, with many Nigerians taking to social media to demand swift legal action against those involved.