US offers $25, 000 reward on Nigerian man charged for murder

28

A Nigerian man, wanted by Rhode Island authorities on charges of murder, child abuse, and fleeing prosecution, has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” list.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest.

According to a report on the U.S. Marshals Service’s official website, 48-year-old Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a child.

This follows an incident on April 3, 2017, when emergency responders in Providence discovered his 3-month-old son suffering from severe injuries at a residence.

The child was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation to regain a pulse. A medical examination revealed 18 injuries in various stages of healing, consistent with long-term abuse

These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, severe brain damage, and multiple fractures to the ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms. Despite being placed on life support, the child tragically passed away six months later.

Providence Police initially arrested Olawusi and charged him with first-degree child abuse on April 20, 2017.

However, he was released the same day and subsequently fled. After the child’s death on October 31, 2017, the charge was upgraded to murder.

In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Olawusi.

Investigations revealed that Olawusi had fled the United States on June 20, 2017, from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, using his Nigerian passport.

Authorities believe he may be receiving support from family members in Nigeria and have raised concerns that he could pose a threat 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 U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis. “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, also known as Olekun Olawusi, is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or use the USMS Tips App.

Launched in 1983, the “15 Most Wanted” fugitive program highlights some of the most dangerous and high-profile criminals in the U.S. These individuals often have extensive criminal records and pose significant threats to public safety. The fugitives on this list are considered the “worst of the worst” and may include murderers, sex offenders, major drug traffickers, organized crime figures, and prominent financial criminals. Since its inception, the program has led to the capture of over 250 fugitives.

The U.S. Marshals Service has a long history of supporting law enforcement agencies in fugitive investigations. In partnership with federal, state, tribal, and local authorities, USMS-led fugitive task forces made over 73,000 arrests and resolved nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023.