A Nigerian fugitive, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” list over charges of first-degree murder and severe child abuse. Authorities have offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his capture.
Olawusi, 48, is wanted for the death of his 3-month-old son, who was discovered with multiple severe injuries in Providence, Rhode Island, in April 2017.
The infant, found unresponsive, was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest, where doctors uncovered multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, severe brain trauma, and broken ribs, arms, and legs. Despite life support, the child died six months later.
Initially charged with first-degree child abuse, Olawusi was arrested on April 20, 2017, but released the same day. He fled the United States on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport after the charges were escalated to murder following the child’s death.
Authorities suspect that Olawusi, who also goes by the alias Olekun Olawusi, may be hiding in Nigeria with support from relatives. The U.S. Marshals Service has expressed concerns about his potential threat to other children.
“Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled to avoid justice. We are committed to using all resources to ensure he faces justice,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis.
Olawusi is approximately 5’8″ tall, weighs 185 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.
The “15 Most Wanted” program, established in 1983, targets high-profile fugitives considered to pose significant public safety threats.
The U.S. Marshals Service, known for its expertise in fugitive apprehensions, collaborates with various law enforcement agencies. In 2023 alone, they arrested over 73,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 86,000 warrants.
