A 77-year-old Nigerian making a living as as Uber driver in the United States of America (USA) has been shot dead in an attack while picking up a passenger outside of a Philadelphia hookah lounge.
On Wednesday, April 15, shortly before 2 a.m., Olatunji W. Bolaji, who was based in Norristown, Pennsylvania, stopped at Byblos Hookah Bar for his next Uber rider.
As the 22-year-old passenger, who has not been identified by name, entered the vehicle, two men got out of a car behind Bolaji, Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small told the outlet.
They proceeded to shoot into the car “at least four times.” The shots hit Bolaji in the head and the passenger in the arm, leg, and stomach.Small said, per CBS, that while Bolaji was able to drive away, he subsequently crashed his car.
First responders provided care at the scene but Bolaji, who was described as a “loving partner and father” to a son, was pronounced dead.
His passenger is in critical condition and is receiving treatment at the hospital per NBC10 Philadelphia.
Small told CBS News that the passenger had “a physical altercation” with the suspects before the shooting occurred.
“It appears that right before the shots were fired, there was some sort of physical altercation.
It also appears that someone in that vehicle was targeted,” he said.
The attackers have not yet been identified, but the Philadelphia Police Department is investigating.
NBC10 Philadelphia reported that the men drove a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Massachusetts tags.
Police are offering a $20,000 reward for any information relating to the attack.NBC10 Philadelphia reported that a family friend said they were “heartbroken” and wanted “justice for the man who was senselessly murdered.
“Uber also shared a statement with CBS News Philadelphia about the “heinous act of violence to justice.”
“Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss,” the statement from the rideshare company read.
“We’ve reached out to police to offer our support.
“Peak Newspaper Nigeria reached out to the Philadelphia Police Department and Uber for comment but did not immediately hear back
