THE United States (US) has announced a reward of $25,000 for anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of a Nigerian man, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, who is reportedly on trial for the alleged murder of his child.
According to a statement from Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, which was shared on the agency’s website yesterday, Olawusi has been listed among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the U.S.
Freeman explained that Olawusi, previously residing in Rhode Island, faces two charges: first-degree murder due to inflicting bodily harm on a child, and unlawful flight to evade prosecution.
The incident in question took place on April 3, 2017, when police and firefighters discovered a three-month-old child bleeding from the mouth and nose. The child was transported to the hospital in critical condition and later found to have injuries across 18 areas of his body, which led to Olawusi’s arrest.
After his arrest, Olawusi was charged in court on April 20, 2017, but vanished the same day after being released while awaiting trial.
Freeman further revealed that the infant succumbed to his injuries six months later, resulting in a murder charge being added to the ongoing legal proceedings against Olawusi.
“A man wanted in Rhode Island for charges of murder, serious child abuse, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives list, with a $25,000 reward for information leading to his capture,” Freeman stated.
“Olawusi, 48, was charged in Providence with first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child after his three-month-old son was found bleeding at their home on April 3, 2017. The child was in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation to regain a pulse. Medical examinations revealed 18 injuries at different healing stages, indicating a pattern of prolonged abuse, including a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, and broken ribs and limbs. He was put on life support but passed away six months later.”
Freeman mentioned that Olawusi was arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse on April 20, 2017, released the same day, and subsequently fled. Following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017, the murder charge was added.
After extensive efforts to locate Olawusi, it was revealed that he had left the U.S. on June 20, 2017, and was believed to be receiving assistance from family in Nigeria.
“He has been placed on the wanted list due to the danger he poses to children and the public,” Freeman stressed, adding that the U.S. will utilize all available resources to ensure Olawusi faces justice.
“Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled to avoid being held accountable. We have placed him on our 15 Most Wanted list because of the serious nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he represents to the community. The U.S. Marshals Service will spare no effort in bringing him to justice for his family and the community,” Freeman concluded.
Olawusi, who is also known by the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing around 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.