The Dutch government has officially submitted an extradition request to Sierra Leonean authorities for Jos Leijdekkers, a convicted drug trafficker. This move was confirmed today by the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel, who urged swift action in extraditing one of Europe’s most-wanted criminals.
Dutch Authorities Push for International Cooperation
Minister van Weel emphasized the significance of global collaboration in tackling organized crime. “I hope for swift action from the authorities of Sierra Leone and to find them on our side in this fight against international organized crime,” he stated.
Leijdekkers, 33, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June 2023 for his role in smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Reports suggest that he has been residing in Sierra Leone for the past six months, allegedly with the knowledge of President Julius Maada Bio.
Alleged Connection to President Bio’s Family
Additional reports claim that Leijdekkers has ties to President Bio’s daughter, sparking concerns about whether the Sierra Leonean leader was aware of his presence and whether his family may have played a role in harboring him.
Sierra Leone Responds to the Allegations
In response, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information released a statement clarifying that President Bio attended multiple public gatherings during the festive season, where he took photos with many individuals. The statement asserts that the president has “no knowledge of the identity and issues detailed in the reports about the individual in question.”
Inspector General of Police Identifies a Different Suspect
On Tuesday, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, dismissed claims of Leijdekkers’s presence in the country. He revealed that the individual depicted in widely circulated social media photos was identified as Umar Sheriff, not Jos Leijdekkers.
“The picture that has been circulating on social media as Jos Leijdekkers—we have been able to, through our Open Source Investigation Unit, affix a name to that face, which is Umar Sheriff,” IGP Sellu stated.
Police Investigation Ongoing
A thorough review of official immigration records from the past six months found no record of Umar Sheriff entering Sierra Leone. Despite multiple police raids, authorities have yet to locate him.
“As we speak, we are on the lookout for Umar Sheriff and encourage members of the public to assist the police in their investigations,” IGP Sellu added.
What’s Next?
The case continues to raise questions about Sierra Leone’s role in harboring international fugitives. As Dutch authorities push for Leijdekkers’s extradition, all eyes are on Sierra Leone’s response and cooperation in this high-profile case.
For the latest updates on this developing story, stay tuned.