By Francis Kamara
The First Lady of Sierra Leone Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio has on Saturday 5th November 2022, made an emotional affirmation that popular rapper and activist Alhaji Amadu Bah (alias LAJ) “Doesn’t Deserve to be in Prison”. Fatima Maada Bio made this statement during the celebrations of the launching of the revitalized branch of the Fullah Progressive Union (FPU) in the United Kingdom.
Addressing the audience at the Royal Regency Banqueting Hall, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio firmly acknowledged her strong family ties with the Fullah Community in Sierra Leone, that started in her early childhood days with some of her siblings on her father’s side, being born from Fullah women, which makes majority of her siblings to be Fullahs.
The First Lady affirmed that since LAJ was arrested some months ago, lots of people mainly from the Fullah community have been targeting her as the main pioneer behind LAJ’s arrest. She continued that it is not fair for people to be pointing fingers at her, because LAJ as everyone knows, is like a son to her and they have a good cordial relationship that is filled with positivity.
She emphasized that Alhaji Amadu Bah (alias LAJ), is a compassionate human being that is full of love and laughter – “LAJ doesn’t deserve to be in and should not be in prison. He is nothing but a troubled young man that needs our help.” She said.
The First Lady highly commended the love, care and concern the public has shown to the rapper since his arrest – she maintained that she doesn’t have the power to free LAJ, as she is just the First Lady of Sierra Leone and not the police or in charge of the justice system in the country.
She underscored that they should continue to pray for LAJ and hope for the best – and that they should allow the police and the court to do their jobs, and assured that there will be transparency.
Alhaji Amadu Bah alias LAJ, who was arrested on June 12th 2022, by the Police for allegations of ‘robbery with violence’ against pump attendants, has been battling with health issues as well as emotional challenges since his arrest for 150 days now
He has been receiving great support from his fans, the media, civil society and the general public for his arbitrary arrest and violations of his human rights by the State.
LAJ has been in and out of the courtroom on several occasions and has been denied bail. His brother Ishmail Bah aka Rappish, Prezo Koroma and 10 others have been sentenced to 18- or 36-months imprisonment, after they were arrested on June 15th 2022, for alleged riotous conducts following the arrest and detention of rapper Boss LAJ on June 12.
