US PLACES $25,000 BOUNTY ON WANTED NIGERIAN MAN CHARGED FOR MURDER
The United States of America has announced an offer of a $25,000 (N43 million) reward for anyone with useful information that could lead to the arrest of one Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian residing in Rhodes Island, US.
According to a report on the U.S. Marshals Serviceās official website, Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of causing serious bodily injury to a child after emergency personnel in Providence found his 3-month-old son with severe injuries at a residence on April 3, 2017.
It was learnt that the child was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest and required resuscitation to regain a pulse.
A medical examination at the hospital revealed 18 injuries in varying stages of healing, consistent with prolonged abuse.
These injuries included a skull fracture, subdural hemomatoma, severe brain injury, and fractures to the ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms. Despite being placed on life support, the child tragically died six months later.
Providence Police initially arrested and charged Olawusi with first-degree child abuse on 20 April 2017. He was released the same day but subsequently fled.
Following the childās death on October 31, 2017, the charge was escalated to murder.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and the Rhode Island Attorney Generalās Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) to locate Olawusi.
Investigations revealed that Olawusi left the United States from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on 20 June 2017, using his Nigerian passport.
It is believed he may be receiving support from relatives in Nigeria, and authorities have expressed concerns that he could pose a risk to other children.
āMr. Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice,ā said U.S. Marshals Service Director Ronald L. Davis. āWe have placed Mr. Olawusi on our 15 Most Wanted list due to the heinous crimes heās 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.ā
Olawusi, who is also known as Olekun Olawusi, is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs around 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.
Established in 1983, the ā15 Most Wantedā fugitive programme highlights some of the U.S.ās most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. These individuals often have extensive criminal backgrounds and pose a substantial threat to public safety. Fugitives on this list are usually deemed the āworst of the worstā and may include murderers, sex offenders, major drug traffickers, organised crime figures, and high-profile financial criminals. Since its inception, the programme has led to the capture of over 250 fugitives.
The U.S. Marshals Service has a long history of assisting other law enforcement agencies in fugitive investigations. In collaboration with federal, state, tribal, and local authorities, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested over 73,000 fugitives and resolved nearly 86,000 warrants in FY 2023.