The United States has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Nigerian fugitive Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is facing trial for the alleged murder of his three-month-old son. Olawusi, who lived in Rhode Island, USA, has been named among the 15 most wanted fugitives by the U.S. Marshals Service.
According to a statement from Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, Olawusi is wanted on charges of first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child. The incident occurred on April 3, 2017, when emergency responders found the infant bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence in Providence.
The child was rushed to the hospital, where doctors discovered 18 injuries at various stages of healing, including fractures to the skull, ribs, arms, and legs, as well as significant brain trauma. Despite being placed on life support, the child died six months later from the injuries allegedly inflicted by Olawusi.
Olawusi was arrested on April 20, 2017, but was released the same day while awaiting trial. He later fled the country, and investigations revealed that he had received help from family members in Nigeria. The murder charge was added to the case after the child’s death in October 2017.
Freeman emphasized that Olawusi, who is also known by the alias Olekun Olawusi, poses a significant threat to children and the general public. He described the crime as “heinous” and reaffirmed the U.S. Marshals’ commitment to using all available resources to locate and apprehend the fugitive.
Olawusi, who is 48 years old, is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The U.S. Marshals have urged anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact them at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the U.S. Marshals Tips App.
The U.S. Marshals Service has called on the public to help bring Olawusi to justice for his alleged crimes against his child, offering the reward in an effort to expedite his capture.
