Teejay: Driver accused of killing Bumpa CTO appears before Lagos court again

In a latest update following the death of Adetunji “Teejay” Opayele, the suspected killer has been arraigned before the Lagos State Magistrate Court. The latest is the third court proceeding since the case started. 

According to court documents seen by Technext, Ms. Biola Adams-Odutayo, a high-ranking executive at a health insurance firm whose actions led to Teejay’s death, appeared before the Lagos court on May 28, 2025, following a previous appearance on April 16.  

Given legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the accused was charged with a one-count charge of driving on a public highway recklessly and carelessly without due care and attention to other road users, which caused the death of Tunji. 

It stated that the offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 52 of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.

“That you ABIOLA ODUTAYO (M) on or about the 4th day of March, 2025 at about 22:00hrs along Lekki-Ajah Link Road, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial district drove a Ford Jeep with Registration Number LND.418 JR on the highway in a reckless and dangerous manner and caused the death of Tunji Opaleye and thereby committed an offence contrary and punishable under to Section 52 of Lagos State Transport Sector Reform, Law, 2018,” court documents reads. 

Following the defendant’s not-guilty plea, the case was adjourned to July 9, 2025. 

Also Read: Teejay: New petitions reveal surprising details about Bumpa Co-founder’s death.

The court proceeding comes three months after the controversial incident led to the tragic death of the CTO.

According to the petition filed on April 3, Teejay had just finished a workout on March 4 at the I-Fitness Gym in Lekki Phase 1 and was heading home when the collision occurred. Ms. Biola Adams-Odutayo was driving A Ford Edge Jeep when she suddenly swerved out of Cactus Restaurant, cutting recklessly across three lanes of traffic.

The petition also claimed that what made the pain worse was the shocking behaviour of Biola Odutayo and those around her after Teejay was declared dead. It noted that she walked into the hospital and requested a drip, claiming she was in shock, and then attempted to flee.

Justice for Teejay: call for a manslaughter charge

Following the incident, there were several public outcries on the leniency of the count charge filed against the suspected killer.  

A legal proceeding initiated in March by the Lagos Police Command against Miss Abiola Adams-Odutayo charged her on counts of driving on a public highway recklessly and carelessly without due care and attention to other road users. She was then granted bail of N1 million. 

While Ms. Adams-Odutayo currently faces minor traffic charges of reckless driving under Lagos State’s Road Traffic Law, which carries a maximum penalty of a N50,000 fine, Legal experts say this is grossly inadequate given the circumstances.

The petition argued for manslaughter charges, citing Section 222 of the Lagos Criminal Law, which applies when death results from gross negligence or reckless disregard for human life.

Aside from the petition’s argument, there were social media reactions surrounding the nature of the charges filed against the accused, where many felt the suit was light-weight and the granting of bail was not justified.

An X user said: “May I ask why the charge is not manslaughter? She caused his death by an “unlawful and dangerous act ie driving recklessly. Or are you waiting for legal advice from the DPP? What law was she charged under?”

While revealing its disappointment regarding the development, the petition’s demand for manslaughter was clear in support of the evidence made available. 

“Although we were surprised by the lesser charge despite the strong evidence, believing manslaughter would have been more appropriate, we trust the Nigerian judiciary to deliver justice. We remain hopeful and grateful for your continued support.”