Bench Warrant Issued for Rapper LAJ Following Alleged Defamation of Kenema Mayor

Bench Warrant Issued for Rapper LAJ Following Alleged Defamation of Kenema Mayor

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of Sierra Leonean musician and Peace Ambassador, Alhaji Amadu Bah (LAJ), following his failure to appear before the Bo Magistrate Court on Friday.

The order was issued by Magistrate Solomon James Brima of Court No. 1 against LAJ and his co-defendant, Ibrahim Koroma. The defendants are facing allegations involving the use of abusive and insulting language directed toward the Mayor of Kenema City.

During the proceedings, the Mayor was present and represented by legal counsel. Lead prosecutor Mohamed Monya Sheriff informed the court that an affidavit of service had been filed, confirming that the defendants were duly notified of the hearing. Despite this notification, both individuals were absent from the court.

The prosecution argued that the defendants' absence was a deliberate evasion of the legal process and requested a bench warrant. Magistrate Brima granted the application and adjourned the matter until Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The allegations stem from remarks LAJ reportedly made during a performance in Bo, in which he is accused of directing derogatory statements at the Kenema Mayor.

Defense counsel Madieu Sesay, Esq., has contested the warrant, stating that his client was not officially served with the necessary court documents and that the defense team was unaware of the scheduled hearing.

The case continues to draw significant public interest as stakeholders await the next scheduled court appearance.