US Authorities Place $25,000 Bounty on Nigerian Fugitive in Infant Abuse and Murder Investigation
A Nigerian man, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, is now on the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted list following his escape from the United States. Authorities have announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.
Incident Details
The charges against Olawusi stem from a tragic incident on April 3, 2017, in Providence, Rhode Island. Emergency responders found Olawusi’s 3-month-old son in critical condition, with severe bleeding from the mouth and nose.
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The infant, showing no signs of life, was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed resuscitation to restore a pulse.
Upon examination, hospital staff discovered the baby had suffered extensive injuries, including:
- Skull fracture
- Subdural hematoma
- Significant brain injury
- Multiple rib, clavicle, leg, and arm fractures
Doctors noted that these injuries appeared to be in various stages of healing, suggesting ongoing, long-term abuse.
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Charges and Fleeing the Country
Providence police initially arrested Olawusi on April 20, 2017, charging him with first-degree child abuse. He was, however, released the same day. Following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017, the charges were upgraded to first-degree murder.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department, along with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to track down Olawusi. Investigations revealed that Olawusi had left the United States via John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport. Authorities believe he may have fled to Nigeria and is possibly being assisted by family members.
Official Statements
Don Freeman, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, has urged the public to come forward with any information about Olawusi’s location. USMS Director Ronald L. Davis emphasized the severity of the case, stating, “Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child. He has fled the country to evade justice. We are committed to exhausting all resources necessary to bring him to justice.”
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Olawusi, who sometimes uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as being 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Authorities warn that he could pose a threat to other children.
The U.S. Marshals Service has urged anyone with information on Olawusi’s whereabouts to contact them at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.
