The United States has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Nigerian Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi. He is reportedly on trial for the alleged murder of his child.
According to a statement by Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, which was posted on the agency’s website, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi is now among the U.S. Marshals’ 15 most wanted fugitives.
Freeman stated that Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, previously a resident of Rhode Island, faces two charges: first-degree murder of a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The case dates back to April 3, 2017, when police and firefighters responded to a scene and took a three-month-old baby to the hospital. Medical examinations revealed that the child had 18 injuries across his body, suggesting repeated abuse, which led to Olawusi’s arrest.
Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017. However, after being released the same day, he disappeared before his trial concluded.
Freeman added that the infant tragically passed away six months later due to injuries allegedly inflicted by his father. Following the child’s death, a murder charge was added to Olawusi’s case.
“A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, child abuse, and fleeing prosecution is now on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted list. We’re offering up to $25,000 for information that helps us arrest him,” said Freeman.
Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, age 48, faced charges in Providence for first-degree murder and child abuse after his three-month-old son was discovered bleeding at a home on April 3, 2017. Emergency personnel transported the child to the hospital in cardiac arrest, where resuscitation was needed. Examination showed the child had suffered a range of injuries, including a skull fracture, brain injury, and multiple broken bones. The infant remained on life support but passed away six months later.
Olawusi was arrested and initially charged with child abuse on April 20, 2017. He was released that day but later fled, with the murder charge added after his son’s death on October 31, 2017.
The U.S. Marshals revealed Olawusi fled the country on June 20, 2017, after attempts to locate him failed. They believe he may have received assistance from family in Nigeria. The U.S. authorities added him to the most wanted list due to the potential threat he poses to children and the general public.
“Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi is wanted for abusing and killing an innocent child, and he fled the U.S. to escape justice. The severity of his crimes and the danger he poses have earned him a spot on our 15 Most Wanted list. The U.S. Marshals Service will use all resources to ensure he is brought to justice,” Freeman stated.
Olawusi i
s also known by the alias “Olekun Olawusi.” He is described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The U.S. Marshals encourage anyone with information on his location to contact them at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.
