The U.S. authorities have declared a 48-year-old Nigerian, Olalekan Olawusi, wanted for “first-degree” murder, with a bounty pegged at $25,000.

A statement by the U.S. Marshals Services on Tuesday said Mr Olawusi was wanted for also fleeing the U.S. to avoid justice. He was also added to the 15 most wanted fugitives list.

“The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is requesting assistance in locating Olalekan Olawusi,” said the statement. “Olawusi is wanted in Rhode Island for first-degree murder and two counts of inflicting serious bodily injury to a child.”

It added, “He is also wanted for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Olawusi is believed to have fled to Nigeria and is receiving aid from family members.”

Mr Olawusi allegedly fled the U.S. to Nigeria on October 20, 2017, following the death of an infant after an incident in Province, Rhode Island, on April 3, 2017, where emergency personnel found his three-month-old son bleeding from the nose and mouth.

The infant, who was reportedly taken to the hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, had sustained 18 injuries on his body with signs of various stages of healing, suggesting long-term abuse.

Medical assessments identified a skull fracture, subdural hematoma, significant brain injury, and fractures to the child’s ribs, clavicle, legs, and arms.

Mr Olawusi, as reported by the U.S. authorities, uses the alias Olekun Olawusi and weighs approximately 175 pounds with black hair and eyes.

Information regarding his whereabouts is to be reported to the U.S. Marshals at 1-877-WANTED2 (926-8332) or via the USMS Tips App.