Nigerian Athlete And MBA Student Shot Dead In US Days Before Graduation

A 30-year-old Nigerian athlete and graduate student, Oluwabukola Pereira, has been tragically shot dead in the United States just days before her scheduled MBA graduation.

According to reports, Pereira was killed on May 8 during a robbery at Arise Auto Center, where she worked.

Authorities said investigations are still ongoing, and the exact motive behind the shooting has not yet been confirmed.

A worker at the auto shop, Don Simpson, told local television station Marcella Porter TV that Pereira reportedly tried to chase after a suspect who allegedly fled with about $1,500 before she was shot.

“She was loyal, good and brave,” Simpson said.
“She came to this country trying to build a good life.”

Originally from Nigeria, Pereira was expected to graduate from Xavier University on May 16 with a Master of Business Administration degree.

The university also revealed that she had already secured admission for another postgraduate programme in Business Analytics later this year.

In a statement, Xavier University President Colleen Hanycz described Pereira as a woman known for her positivity, deep faith, and generous spirit.

“Friends describe her as kind, honest, intelligent and beautiful — inside and out,” the statement read.

Beyond academics, Pereira was also passionate about athletics and was a member of Cincinnati’s Elite running group. She participated in several races, including the Flying Pig Marathon.

Her family described her as “a bright and shining star” who dedicated her life to worship, prayer, and helping others.

Pereira was the first of four children and had reportedly gotten engaged in 2025. She was also planning to get married later this year.

Police have appealed to members of the public with useful information to contact Crime Stoppers as investigations continue.

According to the sheriff’s office, the suspect is believed to be a man between 25 and 35 years old. Investigators said he is Black or Hispanic, with long hair styled in braids or dreadlocks, and was last seen running toward the Gardner Park area after the shooting.

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