President Julius Bio
In a disturbing move that raises serious concerns about press freedom, journalists in Sierra Leone have reportedly been ordered to stop reporting on Jos Leijdekkers, a fugitive Dutch drug criminal known as ‘Bolle Jos.’ According to anonymous sources who spoke with RTL Nieuws, this directive is part of a larger effort orchestrated by the government, specifically at the request of President Julius Bio. Allegations have surfaced that journalists are being bribed to remain silent, with payments totaling thousands of dollars.
Leijdekkers, who is wanted internationally, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in the Netherlands for serious drug offenses such as cocaine trafficking. Recently, video footage surfaced showing him living openly in Sierra Leone, sparking outrage and calls to action. In response, on February 6, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel sent an extradition request to Sierra Leonean authorities, urging them to act quickly against this international crime.
Initially, the Sierra Leonean government announced that a manhunt for Leijdekkers had begun. However, recent reports suggest that rather than pursuing the drug lord, officials may be attempting to silence journalists who dare to report on his actions. According to RTL Nieuws, some journalists were summoned to the vice president’s office and reportedly offered large sums of money in exchange for agreeing not to report on Leijdekkers’ cocaine trafficking and any potential connections to high-ranking Sierra Leonean officials.
Journalists in Sierra Leone face increasing danger, with reports of intimidation and surveillance of those known for critical reporting. The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has condemned these actions, describing a proposed anti-terror law that is awaiting President Bio’s approval as a “significant threat” to press freedom. If passed, this legislation could impose harsh penalties on journalists, further limiting their ability to report freely.
The case of Jos Leijdekkers has sparked widespread interest, particularly amid allegations that members of President Bio’s family have ties to the drug lord. Videos have surfaced showing Leijdekkers with President Bio and his daughter, Agnes Bio, sparking speculation about the two’s romantic relationship. This connection raises serious concerns about corruption and collusion within the Sierra Leonean government.
In a notable incident last month, a video released by Follow the Money and the AD showed Leijdekkers celebrating with Alusine Kanneh, Minister of Immigration. The two were seen exchanging gifts and laughing together, but Kanneh was fired soon after the video was released. This incident has raised further concerns about Leijdekkers’ power over government officials.
Sierra Leone, one of the world’s poorest countries, has increasingly become a hub for international drug cartels. Leijdekkers, who has been convicted in the Netherlands of cocaine smuggling and violent crimes, is thought to have made substantial investments in the country. Despite his high profile, President Bio has publicly denied knowledge of Leijdekkers, though authorities are reportedly investigating him under the alias Omar Sherrif, which he used while posing as a Turkish businessman.
Despite the government’s announcement of an active manhunt for Leijdekkers, questions remain about the seriousness of the investigation. During a recent visit to Sierra Leone, Africa correspondent Sophie van Leeuwen observed that there was little evidence of genuine efforts to apprehend the drug lord, implying that he may be protected by powerful figures in the government.
On February 13, an RTL correspondent was arrested on espionage charges while investigating Leijdekkers’ location, exacerbating the situation. This incident has alarmed the journalistic community, particularly as her colleague, Joseph Turay, was forced to flee the country due to threats against his safety.
As the situation evolves, the implications for journalism and the fight against drug trafficking in Sierra Leone remain unclear. The international community is closely watching President Bio’s actions, particularly the ongoing investigation into Leijdekkers and the larger issues of corruption and media censorship. The struggle for press freedom and accountability in Sierra Leone is far from over, and the stakes for journalists seeking the truth have never been higher.
