Bo, Sierra Leone – In a highly charged courtroom scene that has gripped Sierra Leone, popular rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, widely known as Boss LAJ, dramatically knelt in a symbolic gesture of regret as he and entertainment promoter Ibrahim Koroma (Prezo Koroma) publicly apologised to Kenema City Mayor Thomas Karimu Baio on Wednesday, 8 April 2026.
The moment unfolded at Magistrate Court No. 2 in Bo City before a packed audience. LAJ, often called the Peace Ambassador and leader of the Red Flag Movement, went down on his knees while offering the apology. Prezo Koroma joined in tendering a direct apology to the mayor, who was present in court.
However, Magistrate Samuel James Brima (S.J. Braima) refused to accept the apologies as sufficient for an out-of-court settlement. He ruled that the case is a criminal matter under the Cyber Security and Crime Act, not a civil dispute, and must proceed according to strict legal procedure.
The magistrate emphasised that symbolic gestures or public personalities cannot substitute for formal processes, noting that bail had not yet been formally considered and that the court must focus on facts and evidence.
LAJ and Prezo Koroma remain remanded at the Bo Male Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned to Tuesday, 14 April 2026, when proceedings will resume.
Background of the Allegations
The charges stem from an incident on 21 March 2026 in Bo City. Prosecutors allege that the two men caused a video to be circulated on social media with the intent to insult Mayor Thomas Baio and cause him unnecessary anxiety. It is further claimed that LAJ referred to the mayor as a “bastard child.”
They face three counts under Sections 44(1)(b) and 44(2) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021, relating to cyberbullying, insulting conduct, and the use of electronic systems to cause distress.
Defence lawyers had indicated a strong willingness to resolve the matter amicably outside court. The tensions reportedly escalated after the cancellation of LAJ’s planned concert in Kenema earlier in March 2026, amid disagreements involving the mayor’s office and remarks linked to cultural sensitivities.
Court Timeline
– The accused initially failed to appear, leading to a bench warrant.
– They were first remanded on 2 April 2026.
– Wednesday’s hearing marked yet another adjournment in the high-profile case.
The case continues to spark intense public debate in Sierra Leone about the limits of artistic expression, social media conduct, and the application of cybercrime laws involving public figures and entertainers. Supporters of LAJ have expressed concern over the ongoing remand, while others view the proceedings as a firm stance against online insults directed at elected officials.
All eyes now turn to the next hearing on 14 April 2026.
