Sierra Leonean rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, widely known as Boss LAJ, has been among 352 prisoners recently granted freedom by Sierra Leonean authorities. Boss LAJ was serving a nine-year sentence for robbery prior to his release.
President Julius Maada Bio announced the pardon on New Year’s Day, prompting the Ministry of Information to oversee the prisoners’ release, which included Boss LAJ. Notably, Boss LAJ had been among the escapees following an alleged coup attempt a month earlier, wherein over 20 individuals lost their lives, and approximately 2,000 prisoners escaped. However, Boss LAJ voluntarily surrendered himself to authorities in Freetown shortly after his escape.
Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed the release, highlighting Boss LAJ’s demonstration of “good civic citizenship” by willingly returning to prison. The pardon encompassed various inmates, with 11 women among those freed, many of whom were serving sentences for minor offenses.
Boss LAJ gained recognition for his music featuring critical commentary on President Bio’s government. The alleged coup attempt led to the arrests of more than 80 individuals, primarily military officers, as investigations into the incident continued.