The United States has announced a reward of $25,000 for information that could lead to the capture of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian man accused of murdering his child. Olawusi, who is facing trial in the US, has been placed on the FBI’s list of the 15 most wanted fugitives.
According to a statement from Don Freeman, Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal, Olawusi, a resident of Rhode Island, has been charged with two counts related to the death of his three-month-old child. The alleged crime occurred on April 3, 2017, when emergency responders found the infant with multiple injuries. The child was rushed to the hospital, where it was revealed that he had suffered extensive harm across 18 parts of his body, including fractures, brain damage, and a skull fracture.
Authorities arrested Olawusi on April 20, 2017, on charges of first-degree child abuse, but he was released later that same day while awaiting trial. However, after the infant passed away from his injuries in October 2017, murder charges were added to Olawusi’s case. Following the child’s death, Olawusi fled the country and is believed to have received help from family members in Nigeria. He has been on the run since June 20, 2017.
Deputy Marshal Freeman warned that Olawusi, who uses the alias Olekun Olawusi, is considered a danger to public safety, particularly to children. The U.S. authorities are using all available resources to track him down and ensure he faces justice. Olawusi is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing about 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on Olawusi’s whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App. The U.S. Marshals have made it clear that they will pursue every avenue to apprehend him and bring him to justice.
