Dutch Justice Minister To Visit Sierra Leone to Expedite Extradition of "Bolle Jos"

Dutch Justice Minister To Visit Sierra Leone to Expedite Extradition of "Bolle Jos"

The Dutch Justice Minister, Foort van Oosten, is scheduled to visit Sierra Leone to expedite the extradition of the alleged drug trafficker, Jos Leijdekkers, known as “Bolle Jos.” Leijdekkers has received sentences of 24 years in the Netherlands and 13 years in Belgium for drug-related offenses. The Netherlands has not yet received a formal response to its extradition request from Sierra Leone, where Leijdekkers is reportedly residing.

The extradition case is expected to be a primary focus of Minister van Oosten's upcoming visit, during which he will also engage in discussions on enhanced bilateral cooperation to combat regional drug-related crime. The precise dates for the trip are pending confirmation.

Dutch media sources indicate that Leijdekkers remains in Sierra Leone, a presence confirmed in January 2025. Allegations have been reported that Leijdekkers has a child with the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio and is receiving protection from the presidential family. These claims were fueled by video footage that showed a man with the likeness of Leijdekkers attending a church service alongside President Bio and the First Lady.

Furthermore, there have been documented instances of journalists experiencing pressure while attempting to report on this matter. The case was previously discussed in March of this year between David van Weel, the former Dutch Justice Minister and current Foreign Affairs Minister, and his Sierra Leonean counterpart.

Sierra Leonean authorities have stated that any extradition would be contingent upon a judicial decision, as no formal extradition treaty exists between the two nations. Officials from both countries affirm their collaboration with international agencies on the case.