U.S. places $25,000 bounty on Nigerian suspect in murder trial

The United States has announced a $25,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest of Olalekan Abimbola Olawusi, a Nigerian fugitive facing trial for the alleged murder of his infant son.

According to a statement by Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Don Freeman, released on the agency’s website, Olawusi is now listed among the 15 most wanted fugitives in the country.

Freeman revealed that Olawusi, who previously resided in Rhode Island, was initially arraigned on two counts: first-degree murder by inflicting bodily harm on a child and unlawful flight to avoid prosecution.

The case began on April 3, 2017, when authorities found Olawusi’s three-month-old son with severe injuries.

Firefighters and police responded to the scene, and the child, who had 18 different injuries, was taken to the hospital, where signs of long-term abuse were identified.

Olawusi was subsequently arrested and charged on April 20, 2017, but he disappeared after being released on bail the same day.

Freeman detailed that the child succumbed to his injuries six months later, leading prosecutors to add a murder charge to the ongoing trial.

The list of injuries included a skull fracture, a brain injury, and multiple fractures to the ribs, clavicle, arms, and legs.

“Providence police arrested and charged Olawusi on April 20, 2017, with first-degree child abuse. He was released the same day and subsequently fled.

“The murder charge was added following the infant’s death on October 31, 2017,” Freeman explained.

The U.S. Marshals Service issued a public safety warning, considering him a potential threat to children and the public at large.

“Olawusi is wanted for the abuse and murder of an innocent child and has fled the country to avoid justice,” Freeman added.

“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.”

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