Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, has been added to the US Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” list for first-degree murder and child abuse.
Gatekeepers News reports that in 2017, his 3-month-old son died from severe injuries, including a skull fracture, brain damage, and broken bones.
Olawusi was initially charged with child abuse after emergency personnel found his son with severe injuries at a Providence residence on April 3, 2017. The child was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation. Despite being placed on life support, the child died six months later, and the charge was escalated to murder.
After being arrested and charged on April 20, 2017, Olawusi was released but subsequently fled. Investigations revealed he left the US from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport. It is believed he may be receiving support from relatives in Nigeria which poses a risk 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 US Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis.
“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 reward of up to $25,000 is offered for information leading to Olawusi’s arrest.
He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighs around 185 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the US Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.
Established in 1983, the “15 Most Wanted” fugitive program highlights some of the US’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. Since its inception, the program has led to the capture of over 250 fugitives. The US Marshals Service has a long history of assisting other law enforcement agencies in fugitive investigations, arresting over 73,000 fugitives and resolving nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023.
