Nigeria: Nigerian community in Philadelphia raises funds to bury uber driver killed in shooting
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
The Philadelphia branch of the Black Students Union has launched a $25,000 fundraising campaign to support the burial of Olatunji Bolaji, a 77-year-old Nigerian Uber driver who was shot and killed in Centre City, Philadelphia.
Bolaji, a husband, father, and grandfather, was waiting outside Byblos Hookah Lounge on April 16, 2025, when he was shot in the back of the head during a violent altercation between unidentified individuals. He later crashed a block away on Chestnut Street and was pronounced dead.
The suspects involved in the shooting remain at large.
In response, the Black Students Union initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist Bolaji’s family. As of Monday, only $1,712 had been raised from 19 donations.
The union explained that the funds will cover $12,000 for funeral costs, $5,000 for the family’s living expenses during the mourning period, and $3,000 for counseling services. Any additional donations will go toward a trust fund for Bolaji’s grandchildren.
The group emphasized that all contributions would be deposited directly into the account of Bolaji’s widow, Charice Bolaji. If that becomes impossible, the funds will be personally delivered with full transparency and documentation.
The fundraiser’s message described Bolaji as a kind and dedicated man who safely transported countless people and called on the public to now help his family through their darkest hour.
