Freetown, Sierra Leone — Fatima Maada Bio, wife of President Julius Maada Bio, has strongly rejected any connection between her family and Jos Leijdekkers (also known as “Bolle Jos” or “Chubby Jos”), one of Europe’s most wanted drug traffickers, during a recent appearance on the BBC programme The Interview.
When asked directly if she knew the Dutch national, the First Lady responded: “I have no idea who he is,” and added that she would not recognize him because she is “not a criminal.”
She dismissed online allegations, including claims that Leijdekkers is married to or in a relationship with President Bio’s daughter Agnes Bio, as “lies” and refused to “validate” them.
Bio also clarified that her attendance at public religious gatherings, such as church services, does not imply personal relationships with all attendees, noting that such events are open and inclusive.
She emphasized that her public appearances and social media posts are restricted to official duties and events.
Background on the Controversy
The denials come amid ongoing scrutiny triggered by videos and photos from early 2025 showing Leijdekkers at public events alongside members of the first family. In one widely circulated video from a January 2025 church service in Sierra Leone, originally posted on the First Lady’s social media (later deleted), Leijdekkers, a 33- or 34-year-old Dutchman, was reportedly seen sitting or standing close to family members, including near Agnes Bio.
Additional footage and images, including one from a rice-harvesting ceremony in Tihun, have allegedly shown him in proximity to President Bio. Sierra Leonean authorities and the presidential family have previously stated that the president has no knowledge of the individual’s identity or alleged activities.
Leijdekkers was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June 2024 for large-scale cocaine smuggling (involving over seven tonnes), armed robbery, and ordering a murder. He faces additional charges in Belgium and is wanted by Europol, with Dutch authorities offering a substantial reward (reportedly around €200,000) for information leading to his arrest. Dutch prosecutors have also sought to confiscate assets worth over $250 million linked to his alleged drug empire.
Reports suggest he has been living in Sierra Leone for over two years, where he is accused of relocating parts of his operations. Some investigative outlets have described him as the partner of Agnes Bio and claimed the couple have a child, though these assertions remain unconfirmed by official Sierra Leonean statements or independent verification in all cases.
Broader Context
The interview has reignited public debate in Sierra Leone and internationally about misinformation, political narratives, and the challenges of verifying claims involving high-profile figures. It also highlights ongoing international pressure on Sierra Leone regarding Leijdekkers’ presence, with Dutch authorities seeking cooperation for his extradition.
Fatima Maada Bio, a former actress and activist known for her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign against child marriage and gender-based violence, has faced both praise and criticism in her role as First Lady. The latest episode adds to existing scrutiny of the first family, including past reports on real estate holdings.
As of now, Sierra Leone has not publicly confirmed Leijdekkers’ arrest or extradition, and the First Lady maintains the family has no involvement with the fugitive. The story continues to fuel discussions on social media and in regional media about governance, international crime, and transparency in West Africa.
