The United States has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian fugitive wanted for the alleged murder of his infant son. According to a statement from Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, Olawusi has been placed on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted list.
Olawusi, formerly residing in Rhode Island, is charged with first-degree murder and inflicting bodily harm on his three-month-old son, who died six months after suffering multiple injuries. The incident, which dates back to April 3, 2017, came to light when emergency responders found the child with severe injuries, including a skull fracture, brain injury, and broken bones. The child was hospitalized, placed on life support, and eventually succumbed to his injuries.
Initially arrested on April 20, 2017, Olawusi was released pending trial but fled the country in June 2017. U.S. officials believe he has been receiving aid from family in Nigeria. Citing the danger he poses, the U.S. Marshals Service has pledged extensive resources to locate Olawusi and ensure he faces justice.
Up to $25K reward offered for info leading to arrest of suspect believed to have fled to Nigeria
WASHINGTON – A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list with an up to $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.
Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after Providence Police and Fire personnel found his 3-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence April 3, 2017.
The child was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated to regain a pulse. An examination at the hospital noted 18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse. These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures of the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs and arms. He was placed on life support but died six months later.
Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death Oct. 31, 2017.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Olawusi. Subsequent investigation revealed that Olawusi had flown out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport. Investigators believe Olawusi may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria and that he could be a danger to other children.
“Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child, and has fled the country to avoid justice,” said Director Ronald L. Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service. “We have placed Mr. Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the threat he continues to pose to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community.”
Olawusi, who uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.
