Bo, Sierra Leone – Friday, March 27, 2026 — A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of popular Sierra Leonean rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, widely known as LAJ, and his associate Ibrahim Koroma after both failed to appear in court to face charges related to alleged abusive and insulting remarks directed at Kenema City Mayor Thomas Baio.
Magistrate Solomon James Brima of Bo Magistrate Court No. 1 ordered the warrant following the accused men’s deliberate absence from Friday’s proceedings. LAJ had been summoned to answer accusations that he hurled offensive and insulting comments at Mayor Baio during a recent live stage performance in Bo — remarks that the mayor himself reportedly witnessed and brought to court.
Lead Prosecutor Lawyer Mohamed Monya Sheriff told the court that the accused had been properly served with court documents and that their non-appearance amounted to intentional defiance of the judicial process. The prosecution immediately applied for the bench warrant, which the magistrate granted without delay.
The case has been adjourned to Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
This latest development stems from a public feud between LAJ and Mayor Baio that escalated after the rapper’s performance in Bo. The incident has drawn widespread attention on social media, with videos of the performance circulating online. It follows earlier tensions, including reports of a ban on LAJ’s performances in Koidu New Sembehun City over similar alleged insults to the Kenema mayor.
Mayor Baio is said to be backed by a strong legal team as the matter proceeds. The bench warrant now places LAJ and Koroma at risk of immediate arrest if they are located.
The case highlights ongoing sensitivities around public speech, defamation, and respect for public officials in Sierra Leone, turning what began as a stage performance into a formal legal confrontation.
