US Marshals Offer $25,000 Reward for Fugitive Nigerian Man Accused of Infant Abuse and Murder
By Okafor Joseph Afam
November 12, 2024
The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has declared 48-year-old Nigerian national, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, wanted in connection with the abuse and death of his 3-month-old son, and a $25,000 reward is now offered for information that leads to his arrest.
Olawusi, who fled to Nigeria after being initially charged with child abuse, now faces escalated charges of first-degree murder and multiple counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child. The case stems from an April 3, 2017, incident in Providence, Rhode Island, where emergency responders found Olawusi’s infant son in critical condition, suffering from severe injuries and bleeding from the mouth and nose.
The baby was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation to regain a pulse. Further examinations revealed disturbing evidence of prolonged abuse, with 18 injuries across his tiny body, including a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, and multiple fractures to his ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms.
Don Freeman, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, issued a public appeal, urging anyone with information on Olawusi’s whereabouts to come forward. Despite the medical team’s efforts, the infant’s condition worsened, and he succumbed to his injuries six months later, on October 31, 2017.
Police had arrested Olawusi on April 20, 2017, charging him with first-degree child abuse. However, he was released the same day and managed to flee. Authorities later upgraded the charges to murder following the infant’s death. In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office sought assistance from the USMS to locate him.
Investigators learned that Olawusi used his Nigerian passport to fly out of New York’s JFK Airport on June 20, 2017. He is believed to have family connections in Nigeria and may be hiding there with their help. Law enforcement officials have expressed concerns about the danger he may pose to other children.
“Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice,” said USMS Director Ronald L. Davis. “We’ve placed Mr. Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes he’s committed and the ongoing threat he poses to the public. The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community.”
Olawusi, 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 submit tips through the USMS Tips App.
