A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Sierra Leonean rapper and Peace Ambassador Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as LAJ, after he failed to appear before the Bo Magistrate Court on Friday.
Magistrate Solomon James Brima of Court No. 1 ordered the warrant against LAJ and his co-defendant, Ibrahim Koroma, who were summoned to answer allegations of using abusive and insulting language against Thomas Baio. The Mayor was present in court during the proceedings.
According to the prosecution, the alleged remarks were made during a recent stage performance in Bo. Lead prosecutor Mohamed Monya Sheriff told the court that an Affidavit of Service had been filed and argued that the defendants’ absence was deliberate, urging the court to issue a warrant of arrest. The court subsequently granted the application and adjourned the matter to April 1, 2026.
However, the defence has strongly challenged the process leading to the warrant. Lawyer Madieu Sesay, representing LAJ, stated that neither his client nor the legal team had been formally served with any summons or notified of the proceedings, adding that they only became aware of the case through social media reports.
In a formal communication to the court, the defence team, Madieu Sesay & Associates, maintained that no lawful service was effected on the defendants. They further indicated that an Affidavit of Service reportedly filed by the complainant’s counsel claimed that summonses were delivered via WhatsApp, an assertion both LAJ and Ibrahim Koroma have denied.
Under Sierra Leone law, criminal summonses must generally be personally served on the accused, with proof of service filed through an affidavit. If a defendant resides outside the jurisdiction of the issuing court, service must be carried out through a Magistrate in the area where the person lives. Service via electronic platforms such as WhatsApp is not explicitly recognized under the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, and failure to properly serve a defendant can render any proceedings based on such service legally questionable. In this case, the defence argues that proper service was not effected, while the prosecution maintains otherwise, creating a legal dispute over the validity of the bench warrant.
Beyond the courtroom, the case has reignited public debate about LAJ’s conduct and public persona. The rapper has, over the years, been associated with a number of legal controversies and criticism over the use of explicit and offensive language in his performances. He has previously faced detention and court proceedings, keeping him in the spotlight for reasons beyond his music. Given his role as a Peace Ambassador, some observers argue that a higher standard of conduct is expected, particularly in promoting responsible expression and serving as a role model to young people.
The complainant, Mayor Baio, was represented in court by a team of lawyers including M. Sheriff, B.J. Adu, E.S.M. Gando, L.S. Juldeh, H.M. Karimu, S.B.E. Sesay, F. Gbau, and S.K. Ansumana.
