Ruth Semilore
Philadelphia police are searching for suspects accused of k!lling a 77-year-old Nigerian Uber driver, Olatunji Bolaji and shooting a 22-year-old man who he was picking up.
Police said the shooting happened outside the Byblos restaurant and hookah lounge in the 100 block of 18th Street at around 2 a.m. Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
“It appears that right before the shots were fired, there was some sort of physical altercation,” said Chief Inspector Scott Small.
The SUV the victims were in crashed around the corner on Chestnut Street, near the shooting.
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Police said it all started as the 22-year-old was leaving the hookah lounge. Surveillance video being used as part of a police investigation shows the 22-year-old hugging people goodbye in front of a black SUV when two suspects run towards them
As he was getting into the backseat of an SUV driven by a 77-year-old Uber driver, police said a Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled up behind them, two males got out and started fighting with the younger man.
Police said at least one of the men from the Jeep fired four shots.
Investigators believe a bullet went through the headrest and struck the Uber driver, who was identified as Olatunji Bolaji, of Norristown.
Bolaji was still able to drive a short distance, turning onto Chestnut Street before crashing into a light pole.
“A 77-year-old male was half in the driver’s seat and his upper body was outside, lying on the street,” Small said. “He was suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the back of his head.
Bolaji was pronounced dead at the scene.
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His family tells Action News they are heartbroken, adding that he was just a father doing his job to make a living.
“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,” said a spokesperson for Uber.
The 22-year-old who was in the backseat was shot in the arm, stomach and chest. He is listed in critical condition at an area hospital
Police said witnesses got a look at the getaway vehicle, described as a newer model-dark colored Jeep Grand Cherokee.
“Possible Massachusetts tags. We’re not positive, but it appeared that it was Massachusetts tags because there was a license plate in the front and the back of that vehicle,” Small said.
Police say witnesses last saw the suspect’s car on Sansom Street.
Another rideshare driver said the drivers who work at night wait for bars to close.
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“I’m so sorry that somebody had to lose his life over this. I just hope it’s not one of the guys that I used to talk to,” said the fellow rideshare driver.
Fabian Romero, who is with the Independent Drivers Guild, which represents ride-share drivers nationwide, says safety is a main concern.
“Right now, we’re forgotten. Nobody sees the things we live day by day. The problem we have day by day,” said Romero.
Romero says they’ll continue to advocate for better safety protocols to protect drivers, as well as honor Bolaji and his family.
“We support them. If anything we can do, we’re going to do it. We’re going to fight with the companies to try to get a better system or a better way to make a living for us,” he said.
People who live and work in the area say the gun violence is disturbing.
“I woke up to it and it was the first thing I saw on my phone. There’s never a dull moment on this street, you know,” said Mino Brone, who lives and works near Chestnut.
“I think it’s devastating. A lot of people do take Ubers back and forth, especially because of the trains. I feel like you should be safe, especially in Rittenhouse, because it is a safe area. But it’s really sad,” said Michelle Kao, who owns a spa on Chestnut.
