In a sensational development that has sparked widespread controversy, opposition figures in Sierra Leone have accused a notorious Dutch drug trafficker, Jos Leijdekkers, alias "Chubby Jos," of securing protection from prosecution by forging close ties with the family of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio. The allegations, which include claims that Leijdekkers fathered a child with the president’s daughter, have raised serious questions about governance, corruption, and the rule of law in the West African nation. As European authorities intensify their pursuit of the fugitive, who faces a combined 74 years in prison for drug trafficking and other serious crimes, the accusations have cast a shadow over Sierra Leone’s leadership and its international reputation.
Jos Leijdekkers, a 34-year-old Dutch national, has been on the run in Sierra Leone for over two years, evading capture by European law enforcement agencies. Known for his involvement in large-scale cocaine trafficking, Leijdekkers has been convicted multiple times in the Netherlands and Belgium, with sentences totaling 50 years in Belgium and an additional 24 years in the Netherlands. The charges against him are grave, encompassing not only drug smuggling but also allegations of torture and murder. A €200,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his capture, underscoring the urgency of bringing him to justice. Despite these efforts, Leijdekkers has reportedly found a safe haven in Sierra Leone, where he is allegedly being shielded by powerful figures, including President Bio himself.
The most explosive claim comes from Mohamed Kamarainba Mansaray, a prominent opposition leader in Sierra Leone, who alleges that Leijdekkers has secured his protection by fathering a child with Agnes Bio, the daughter of President Bio. According to Mansaray, Agnes gave birth to Leijdekkers’ child in New York, a development that has fueled speculation about the extent of the fugitive’s influence within the president’s inner circle. Mansaray has publicly accused the Bio administration of actively protecting Leijdekkers and obstructing international efforts to bring him to justice. These allegations have ignited a firestorm of criticism, with opposition groups and civil society organizations demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
Leijdekkers’ visibility in Sierra Leone has done little to dispel these accusations. He has been spotted socializing with members of the Bio family and other high-ranking officials, raising eyebrows about his apparent freedom in the country. Notably, footage shared on social media by Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, captured Leijdekkers attending a New Year’s church service, standing just two rows behind President Bio. The video, which circulated widely, has been cited as evidence of the fugitive’s close proximity to the country’s leadership. Additionally, investigative reporting by the Dutch outlet Follow the Money and the newspaper AD revealed footage of Leijdekkers at a private birthday celebration in March 2024 for Alusine Kanneh, Sierra Leone’s immigration chief. In the video, Leijdekkers is seen presenting a gift to Kanneh, further suggesting his integration into elite social circles in Sierra Leone.
The timing of these events has only deepened suspicions. While Agnes Bio was reportedly in New York for the birth of her child, President Bio visited her and his grandchild during a trip to attend the United Nations General Assembly. Leijdekkers, however, remained in Sierra Leone, seemingly unaffected by the international manhunt targeting him. This has led critics to question why a fugitive of his notoriety has been able to move freely in the country, with some alleging that his connections to the president’s family have granted him immunity from extradition.
The Sierra Leonean government has vehemently denied these allegations. In response to the mounting reports, the country’s communications ministry issued a statement asserting that President Bio has “no knowledge of the identity or the issues detailed” concerning Leijdekkers. The statement sought to distance the president from the controversy, emphasizing that the government is not involved in shielding the fugitive. However, this official denial has done little to quell public skepticism, particularly in light of Leijdekkers’ visible interactions with the Bio family and other officials.
Leijdekkers’ criminal history is extensive and well-documented. In the Netherlands, he was sentenced last year to 24 years in prison for his role in orchestrating six major drug shipments, a conviction that solidified his status as a key figure in the European drug trade. In Belgium, he received an additional eight-year sentence in September, bringing his total prison term in that country to 50 years. Beyond drug trafficking, Leijdekkers faces charges of torture and murder, painting a picture of a hardened criminal with a long record of violent and illicit activities. Dutch authorities have formally requested his extradition from Sierra Leone, but the process remains stalled, with the appeal still unresolved. This delay has fueled accusations that the Sierra Leonean government is deliberately obstructing justice, possibly due to Leijdekkers’ alleged ties to the president’s family.
The controversy has significant implications for Sierra Leone, a country still grappling with the legacy of a brutal civil war and ongoing challenges with corruption and governance. The accusations against President Bio threaten to undermine public trust in his administration, which has already faced criticism for its handling of political opposition and economic challenges. For many Sierra Leoneans, the idea that a foreign fugitive could find refuge in their country under the protection of the president is a damning indictment of the state of the nation’s institutions. Opposition groups have seized on the scandal to call for investigations into the government’s conduct, arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of impunity and favoritism.
Internationally, the case has drawn attention to the challenges of combating transnational crime, particularly when fugitives exploit political connections to evade justice. European authorities, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing Leijdekkers’ extradition. The €200,000 reward for his capture remains in place, but with little apparent movement on the ground in Sierra Leone, there is growing concern that he may continue to elude justice. The case also highlights the complexities of international cooperation in law enforcement, especially when allegations of high-level corruption are involved.
For President Bio, the scandal represents a significant political liability. His administration has sought to project an image of stability and progress, but the allegations surrounding Leijdekkers threaten to tarnish his reputation both domestically and abroad. Critics argue that the president’s failure to address the issue decisively—whether by facilitating Leijdekkers’ extradition or providing a transparent explanation of his family’s ties to the fugitive—could further erode his credibility. The opposition, led by figures like Mansaray, has vowed to keep the issue in the public eye, using it as a rallying point to challenge Bio’s leadership.
As the controversy unfolds, questions remain about what the future holds for Leijdekkers and Sierra Leone’s government. Will European authorities succeed in securing his extradition, or will he continue to enjoy apparent protection in Sierra Leone? Can President Bio restore public confidence in his administration, or will the scandal deepen divisions in an already polarized country? For now, the allegations of a cocaine kingpin finding refuge under the president’s wing have cast a long shadow over Sierra Leone, raising troubling questions about power, privilege, and the pursuit of justice.
The case also serves as a reminder of the global reach of the drug trade and the challenges of holding powerful criminals accountable. Leijdekkers’ ability to evade capture for over two years, despite his high-profile status and the substantial resources devoted to his apprehension, underscores the need for stronger international collaboration and accountability mechanisms. As Sierra Leone grapples with this scandal, the world watches to see whether justice will prevail or whether the ties of power and privilege will prove too strong to break.
