Sierra Leone authorities have released 352 prisoners, among them the well-known rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, widely recognised as Boss LAJ. Boss LAJ was serving a nine-year sentence for robbery before being pardoned on New Year’s Day by President Julius Maada Bio, according to the country’s information ministry.
This decision comes on the heels of an alleged coup attempt a month ago, resulting in the deaths of over 20 individuals and the escape of around 2,000 prisoners. Notably, Boss LAJ was one of the escapees but voluntarily surrendered to prison authorities in the capital, Freetown.
Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed the release of Boss LAJ and 351 other inmates across the country, citing the rapper’s act of returning to custody as a demonstration of good civic citizenship.
Among those freed were inmates serving time for minor crimes, including 11 women, as mentioned by prison authorities. Boss LAJ, recognised for his song lyrics critical of President Bio’s government, had gained prominence for his outspoken views. The aftermath of the alleged coup saw the arrest of over 80 individuals, predominantly military officers.