The U.S. Marshals Service has added Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, to its 15 Most Wanted fugitives list, offering a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Olawusi is wanted in Rhode Island on charges of first-degree murder, inflicting serious bodily injury to a child, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.
The charges stem from an incident on April 3, 2017, when Providence Police discovered his 3-month-old son with severe injuries, including bleeding from the mouth and nose.
Olawusi has been on the run since then, prompting authorities to intensify their search efforts.
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 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 Oct. 31, 2017.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to locate Olawusi. Subsequent investigation revealed that Olawusi had flown out of John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport. Investigators believe Olawusi may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria and that he could be a danger 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 Director Ronald L. Davis of the U.S. Marshals Service. “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.