The U.S. offers a $25,000 reward for information on Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian fugitive wanted for allegedly murdering his child.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he United States has announced a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian fugitive facing charges of the alleged murder of his child.
Olawusi, who was living in Rhode Island, has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives list, with officials stating that his actions have made him a serious threat to public safety.
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According to Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, Olawusi was arrested in 2017 after his three-month-old child was found with severe injuries, including fractures and brain damage, leading to the infant’s death six months later.
The child had suffered injuries in 18 different parts of his body, including skull fractures, subdural hematoma, and broken ribs and limbs, which suggested prolonged abuse. Following the child’s hospitalisation, Olawusi was initially charged with first-degree child abuse.
However, after the infant’s death on October 31, 2017, the charges were escalated to murder. Olawusi, who had been arrested and charged on April 20, 2017, was later released but disappeared from Rhode Island, fleeing the country on June 20, 2017. Subsequent investigations revealed that he had received help from family members in Nigeria.
Freeman explained that Olawusi is now considered a danger to children and the public, highlighting the urgency of his capture.
“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,” he said.
“The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community.”
Olawusi, who also goes by the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as standing 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He is wanted for serious charges related to child abuse and murder, and the U.S. Marshals are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Tips can be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
