The U.S. Marshals Service has placed a $25,000 bounty on the head of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian man wanted in connection with the brutal abuse and death of his 3-month-old son in 2017.
Olawusi, 48, faces first-degree murder charges, as well as two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child.
The charges stem from a disturbing incident on April 3, 2017, when emergency responders arrived at a home in Providence, Rhode Island. There, they found Olawusi’s infant son in critical condition, bleeding from the mouth and nose.
The child was rushed to the hospital, where he was placed on life support after being revived from cardiac arrest. Medical examinations revealed that the baby had suffered 18 injuries across his body, many of which were in various stages of healing, indicating long-term abuse.
Hospital reports confirmed that the baby had a fractured skull, brain injuries, broken ribs, clavicle, and limbs, a clear indication of severe and ongoing physical harm. Despite all efforts, the child died on October 31, 2017, six months after the incident.
Flight to Nigeria After Initial Arrest
Following the traumatic incident, Olawusi was arrested by Providence police on April 20, 2017, on charges of first-degree child abuse. However, he was released the same day. Investigators believe that after his release, Olawusi fled the United States.
An investigation later confirmed that Olawusi had flown out of the country on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.
Authorities now believe that Olawusi may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria, and they warn that he could pose 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.”
A $25,000 Reward for Information
In a bid to bring Olawusi to justice, the U.S. Marshals Service has offered a reward of $25,000 for information that leads to his arrest. Don Freeman, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, encouraged the public to come forward with any details that could help authorities locate the fugitive.
“We need the public’s help to find Mr. Olawusi,” Freeman said. “If anyone knows where he is, we urge them to reach out to us. His actions have left a family broken, and he must face justice for the innocent child whose life he destroyed.”
Olawusi’s Description and Alias
Olawusi, who is also known by the alias “Olekun Olawusi,” is described as a man who stands 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. Investigators have warned that he may attempt to change his appearance or identity to evade capture.
Despite efforts to track Olawusi’s movements, authorities are unsure of his exact whereabouts. His flight to Nigeria has only added to the complexity of the search. Investigators are concerned that he may be hiding in Nigeria with the help of family members or friends, making his arrest more difficult.
The Impact of the Crime
The abuse and death of the infant has left a community in shock and sorrow. The child’s injuries were so severe that they drew national attention to the case. Authorities are determined to ensure that justice is served, not only for the victim but for the community that has been left with questions and grief.
“This is a tragic and senseless loss of life, and our thoughts are with the child’s family during this difficult time,” said Davis. “We will continue to do everything in our power to ensure Olawusi is brought to justice.”
Seeking Justice for the Victim
The U.S. Marshals and the Providence Police Department have continued their search for Olawusi since he fled the United States. The case has been treated as a top priority due to the nature of the crime and the fact that Olawusi is now considered a fugitive from justice.
“Every day that Mr. Olawusi remains at large is another day that he avoids responsibility for the suffering he caused,” Freeman said. “We will not stop until he is found and brought to justice for the death of this innocent child.”
The case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to address child abuse and protect vulnerable children from harm. Authorities are calling on anyone with information to step forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
The U.S. Marshals Service has assured the public that all tips will be treated confidentially, and the reward remains open for those who can help locate Olawusi.
