U.S. authorities have issued a $25,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a 48-year-old Nigerian man wanted on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse. Olawusi is believed to have fled to Nigeria.
The charges relate to an incident on April 3, 2017, in Providence, Rhode Island, when emergency responders found Olawusi’s three-month-old son in critical condition, with severe injuries, including bleeding from his mouth and nose.
The infant was taken to the hospital in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation. Medical evaluations revealed 18 injuries, including a skull fracture, brain damage, and multiple bone fractures, indicating prolonged abuse.
The child was placed on life support but passed away six months later, on October 31, 2017.
Following the infant’s death, Olawusi was charged with murder. Providence police had initially arrested him for first-degree child abuse on April 20, 2017, but he was released and subsequently fled.
In November 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) was asked to help locate him after it was discovered he had left the country through JFK Airport using a Nigerian passport.
Officials believe he may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria and warn that he could pose a danger to other children. “Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has evaded justice,” said Ronald L. Davis, USMS Director, who added that Olawusi has been placed on the USMS’s 15 Most Wanted list.
Olawusi, who may also go by the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his location is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.