Nigerian Man Wanted in Infant Abuse Case: U.S. Authorities Offer $25,000 Bounty
By Wisdom Tide
November 13, 2024
Background of the Case
U.S. authorities have declared Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a 48-year-old Nigerian man, wanted in connection with severe abuse that resulted in the death of his infant son. In an effort to locate him, a $25,000 reward has been announced for any information that leads to his arrest.
The charges against Olawusi are related to a distressing incident on April 3, 2017, in Providence, Rhode Island, where emergency responders discovered his 3-month-old son in critical condition. The infant, bleeding from the mouth and nose, was immediately transported to the hospital in cardiac arrest. After successful resuscitation efforts, medical examinations revealed extensive injuries, indicating prolonged abuse.
Details of the Injuries
During the hospital assessment, medical personnel identified 18 injuries at various stages of healing across the child’s body, suggesting ongoing abuse. The child had a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, severe brain injuries, and multiple fractures, including those of the ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms. Despite medical intervention, the infant's condition deteriorated, and he was placed on life support. Six months later, on October 31, 2017, he succumbed to his injuries.
Initial Arrest and Flight from Justice
Following the initial incident, Olawusi was apprehended by Providence police on April 20, 2017, facing first-degree child abuse charges. However, he was released shortly after his arrest and subsequently fled the country. Following the infant’s death, the charges were escalated to first-degree murder, along with two counts of inflicting serious bodily harm on a child. By June 2017, Olawusi had departed from the U.S., boarding a flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Nigeria using his Nigerian passport.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office enlisted the help of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to locate Olawusi, now a fugitive.
Continued Threat and Law Enforcement’s Appeal
Investigators believe that Olawusi may be receiving assistance from family members in Nigeria, and they have expressed concern that he could pose a threat 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 U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis. Davis also announced that Olawusi has been added to the USMS’s 15 Most Wanted list, citing the heinous nature of his crimes and the continued risk he poses to public safety. "The USMS will exhaust all resources necessary to bring him to justice for his family and the community,” he stated.
Physical Description and How to Report Information
Olawusi, who also goes by the alias Olekun Olawusi, is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. U.S. Marshals urge anyone with knowledge of his whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.
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