The Nigerian Police, Lagos State Command, have charged Abiola Odutayo with reckless and careless driving following the tragic death of Adetunji Opayele, co-founder of Nigerian tech startup Bumpa. The accident occurred at 10:20 p.m. on March 4, 2025, along Ozumba Mbadiwe Road, Victoria Island, Lagos.
According to the charge sheet (LA/301/2025) presented before Magistrate M.E. Owumi at the Tinubu Magistrate Court, Odutayo is accused of violating Sections 50(1) and 52 of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law, 2018. The prosecution alleges that she was driving a Ford Edge Jeep (registration number LND 418 JR) “inconsiderably” and “without due care and attention,” resulting in Opayele’s death.
At her court hearing, Odutayo pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at N1 million, requiring two sureties. The case is set to continue on April 16, 2025.
Public reaction has been intense, with over 63,000 people signing a Change.org petition demanding that Odutayo face manslaughter charges instead. Many Nigerians are voicing concerns about perceived gaps in accountability.
Lagos Police PRO, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, addressed these concerns on social media platform X, stating: “We @LagosPoliceNG acknowledge public concerns regarding the tragic accident that claimed the life of Adetunji Opayele (Teejay) on March 4, 2025. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who have been affected by this loss. The Lagos State Police Command remains committed to transparency, fairness, and justice.”
Opayele, along with Kelvin Umechukwu, co-founded Bumpa in 2021 to simplify business operations for Nigerian entrepreneurs. The startup gained prominence in 2022 after securing $4 million in seed funding led by Base10 Partners. His untimely death is a significant loss to Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and supporters dedicated to continuing his mission of business empowerment.
