Olatunji W. Bolaji, 77, a Nigerian Uber driver, was shot and killed outside a hookah lounge in Philadelphia, United States.
Bolaji, who lived in Norristown, Pennsylvania, was on duty at about 2 a.m. on Wednesday when he picked up a 22-year-old male outside the Byblos Hookah Bar near Rittenhouse Square in Centre City, CBS News reported on Friday.
Police added that immediately after Bolaji picked up the young man, another vehicle came up behind his SUV, and two males got out.
One of them opened fire on both Bolaji and the passenger.
Despite being shot in the head, Bolaji managed to drive a short distance before colliding with a pole at 17th and Chestnut streets.
Bolaji was pronounced dead on the scene.
His passenger, who had suffered gunshot wounds to the arm, leg, and stomach, was taken to Jefferson University Hospital in critical condition.
Police say the shooting was videotaped on surveillance cameras, and the perpetrators were in a black Jeep Grand Cherokee with Massachusetts license plates.
Authorities are currently investigating the rationale behind the incident. Investigators believe there may have been a physical altercation between the passenger and the perpetrators prior to the shooting.
Ride-hailing platform Uber has expressed sadness over the murder .
“Our hearts break for the driver’s family and loved ones in the wake of this devastating loss.
“We’ve reached out to police to offer our support as they work to bring those responsible for this heinous act of violence to justice,” the company said in a statement.
Neighbours have expressed sadness over Bolaji’s death, characterising his family as peaceful and hard-working.
A long-time family friend who previously lived with the deceased told NBC10 that he was a compassionate man who was always willing to help people.
He described the deceased as a hard worker, a kind partner, and a happy father whose son has graduated from college.
According to the acquaintance, his family is saddened by his death and is looking for justice.
A GoFundMe effort has been started to help Bolaji’s family.
The contributions will be used for burial and memorial expenditures, as well as living and counselling needs during their time of bereavement.
