A Nigerian man wanted by Rhode Island authorities on charges of murder, child abuse, and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution has been added to the U.S. Marshals Service’s “15 Most Wanted” list. A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to his arrest.
Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, faces first-degree murder charges and two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a child following the discovery of his 3-month-old son with severe injuries at a Providence residence on April 3, 2017. Emergency responders found the child in cardiac arrest and managed to resuscitate him, but the baby was later found to have 18 injuries at varying stages of healing, indicating prolonged abuse.
The child’s injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, severe brain damage, and multiple fractures to the ribs, clavicle, arms, and legs. Despite being placed on life support, the child tragically passed away six months later.
Olawusi was initially arrested and charged with first-degree child abuse on April 20, 2017. He was released the same day, but soon after, he fled the country. Following the child’s death on October 31, 2017, the charge was upgraded to murder.
In November 2017, the U.S. Marshals Service joined the search for Olawusi at the request of the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office. Investigators discovered that Olawusi had traveled from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York to Nigeria on June 20, 2017, using his Nigerian passport. Authorities believe he may be receiving aid from relatives in Nigeria and have raised concerns that he may pose a risk to other children.
“Mr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to evade justice,” said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis. “We’ve placed him on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the horrific crimes he committed and the threat he still poses to the public. The U.S. Marshals will do everything in our power to bring him to justice for his victim and the community.”
Olawusi, also known as Olekun Olawusi, is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing approximately 185 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or through the USMS Tips App.
The “15 Most Wanted” fugitive program, established in 1983, highlights some of the most dangerous and high-profile fugitives in the U.S. These individuals are often considered a serious threat to public safety and include murderers, sex offenders, drug traffickers, organized crime figures, and financial criminals. Since its inception, the program has led to the capture of over 250 fugitives.
The U.S. Marshals Service works closely with federal, state, tribal, and local authorities through fugitive task forces, which led to over 73,000 fugitive arrests and the resolution of nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023
