A Nigerian man wanted by authorities in Rhode Island 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 leading to his arrest.
Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, 48, is accused of first-degree murder 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 residence in Providence on April 3, 2017.
Emergency responders found the child in cardiac arrest and rushed him to the hospital, where he required immediate resuscitation. A medical examination revealed 18 injuries, some in various stages of healing, indicating prolonged abuse. Among these injuries were a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, severe brain damage, and fractures to the ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms. Despite life-support efforts, 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 fled shortly afterward. Following the child’s death on October 31, 2017, the charge was upgraded to murder.
In November 2017, the Providence Police Department and Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office requested assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service to locate Olawusi. Investigations revealed that he fled the U.S. on June 20, 2017, departing from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York using his Nigerian passport.
Authorities believe Olawusi may be receiving help from relatives in Nigeria and are concerned that he could pose a continued threat to public safety, particularly 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. “We’ve placed him on our ‘15 Most Wanted’ list due to the brutal nature of his crimes and the ongoing threat he represents to the public. We will use every resource at our disposal to bring him to justice.”
Olawusi, also known as Olekun Olawusi, is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing around 185 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or submit a tip via the USMS Tips App.
About the “15 most wanted” fugitive program
Launched in 1983, the U.S. Marshals’ “15 Most Wanted” program highlights the country’s most dangerous fugitives, often individuals with extensive criminal records who pose significant threats to public safety. The list includes murderers, sex offenders, major drug traffickers, organized crime figures, and high-profile financial criminals. Since its inception, the program has resulted in the capture of over 250 fugitives.
The U.S. Marshals Service works in close collaboration with federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies. In FY 2023 alone, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested over 73,000 fugitives and resolved nearly 86,000 warrants.
