A tragic act of violence has left a Nigerian family devastated and a community in mourning after 77-year-old Uber driver Olatunji Bolaji was shot and killed in Philadelphia while simply trying to do his job.
According to police reports, the incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, outside Byblos, a restaurant and hookah lounge on the 100 block of South 18th Street. Bolaji, a resident of Norristown, was in the process of picking up a 22-year-old passenger when an altercation erupted.
Surveillance footage shows the 22-year-old man saying goodbye to friends outside the lounge. Just as he entered the back seat of Bolaji’s black SUV, a dark-colored Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled up behind them. Two men exited the vehicle and immediately confronted the young passenger.
According to Chief Inspector Scott Small, a physical fight broke out seconds before shots were fired. One of the assailants allegedly pulled a gun and fired four shots.
One of the bullets tragically passed through the headrest, striking Bolaji in the back of the head. Despite being gravely wounded, Bolaji managed to drive a short distance before crashing into a light pole at Chestnut Street.
“A 77-year-old male was half in the driver’s seat and his upper body was outside, lying on the street,” said Chief Inspector Small. “He was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the back of his head.”
Bolaji was pronounced dead at the scene.
The 22-year-old man Bolaji was picking up was also shot — in the arm, stomach, and chest. He remains in critical condition at a nearby hospital. His identity has not yet been released, and police believe he was the intended target.
Witnesses described the suspects’ vehicle as a newer-model Jeep Grand Cherokee, possibly with Massachusetts license plates, which was last seen fleeing down Sansom Street.
Bolaji’s family described him as a hardworking father who was just trying to make an honest living. The heartbreaking news has sent shockwaves through both the Nigerian community in Pennsylvania and the broader rideshare community.
“Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss,” Uber said in a statement. “We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.”
Fabian Romero, a representative of the Independent Drivers Guild, which supports rideshare drivers across the U.S., said Bolaji’s death underscores growing concerns about safety for gig workers.
“We’re forgotten,” Romero said. “Nobody sees the things we live through day by day. We’re going to keep fighting for safer systems so drivers can work and return home alive.”
Residents and business owners in the upscale Rittenhouse area where the shooting happened said they were rattled by the violence.
“I think it’s devastating,” said Michelle Kao, who owns a nearby spa. “People take Ubers all the time because they think it’s safe — especially here.”
Another resident, Mino Brone, echoed the sentiment.
“There’s never a dull moment on this street, but this is just tragic.”
As of now, no arrests have been made, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, with surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts playing a key role in identifying the suspects.
Olatunji Bolaji’s death has become another painful reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives — and how vulnerable frontline gig workers can be, even while performing simple, everyday tasks.
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