The United States of America has announced a $25,000 reward for anyone who can provide information that would aid in the arrest of a Nigerian, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is reportedly facing trial for the alleged murder of his child.
According to a statement from Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, which was posted on the agency’s website on Monday, Olawusi has been listed among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the U.S.
Freeman stated that Olawusi, a former resident of Rhode Island, U.S., was arraigned on two charges: first-degree murder for causing bodily harm to a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The incident occurred on April 3, 2017, when police officers and firefighters found a three-month-old child in distress and transported him to the hospital. It was there that medical staff discovered the child had sustained injuries across 18 parts of his body. This discovery led to Olawusi’s arrest.
Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017, but his whereabouts became unknown after he was released that same day while the trial was still pending.
Freeman further explained that the child passed away six months later as a result of the injuries allegedly inflicted by Olawusi, which led to the addition of a murder charge to the ongoing trial.
He said, “A man wanted in Rhode Island on charges of murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service 15 Most Wanted fugitives list, with an up to $25,000 reward being offered for information leading to his arrest.
“Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after Providence Police and Fire personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the mouth and nose at a residence on April 3, 2017.
“The child was transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest and needed to be resuscitated to regain a pulse. An examination at the hospital noted 18 injuries at various stages of healing, indicating a pattern of long-term abuse. These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures of the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms. He was placed on life support but died six months later.
“Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi on April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled. The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017.”
Freeman further noted that after extensive efforts to locate Olawusi, it was determined that he had fled the country on June 20, 2017, and that family members in Nigeria were assisting him.
He emphasized that Olawusi has been placed on the wanted list due to the potential danger he poses to children and the general public. The U.S. is committed to using all available resources to ensure he faces justice.
“Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice. 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 uses the alias ‘Olekun Olawusi,’ stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Information regarding his whereabouts may be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App,” Freeman concluded.
