The United States has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian man facing trial for the alleged murder of his infant child.
Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman stated, “Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice.”
Olawusi, formerly residing in Rhode Island, U.S., was initially arraigned on charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
Freeman said the tragic circumstances, sharing that on April 3, 2017, “Providence Police and Fire personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence.”
The child, transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest, was revived but found to have “18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse.”
Medical examinations revealed severe injuries, including a skull fracture, brain injury, and fractures to multiple bones. Six months later, the infant succumbed to his injuries.
Following his arrest on April 20, 2017, Olawusi was released on bail and subsequently fled.
Freeman explained, “He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017.”
Frustrated by unsuccessful efforts to locate Olawusi, investigators determined he had left the U.S. on June 20, 2017.
“Further investigation revealed that he was receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria,” Freeman noted.
Freeman emphasized the commitment to bring Olawusi to justice, saying, “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 also uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
The U.S. Marshals have urged anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact them at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.