First Lady Fatima Bio Denies Allegations Linking Family to Dutch Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers

Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, has dismissed allegations linking her family to Dutch drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers during an interview with the BBC.

Speaking on The Interview with BBC journalist Megha Mohan, Mrs. Bio rejected claims suggesting that members of the First Family had any relationship with the alleged European drug trafficker, who is reportedly among Europe’s most wanted criminals.

When asked directly whether she knew Leijdekkers, she responded:

“I have no idea who he is.”

She further dismissed suggestions of any personal connection between the fugitive and her family.

“I would not know because I’m not a criminal,” she added.

During the interview, the BBC journalist referenced online allegations claiming that Leijdekkers was married to President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter and that they reportedly have a child together.

Responding to the claims, Mrs. Bio described them as false.

“Really? Well, maybe in another life. These are all lies I am not going to validate,” she said.

The discussion also touched on a video circulated online following a New Year church service attended by members of the First Family.

Mrs. Bio explained that videos from public religious and social gatherings are regularly shared on her social media platforms, insisting that attendance at such events does not imply personal relationships with every individual present.

“I don’t bring people into church. I’m a Muslim, so when I go to church service, it means I’m invited like everyone else. Whoever is in that room is none of my business,” she explained.

The allegations linking Leijdekkers to Sierra Leone’s political elite have generated widespread public debate locally and internationally in recent months, particularly following the circulation of images and videos on social media.

However, the First Lady’s remarks represent her clearest public response yet to the controversy, as she firmly rejected any suggestion of a relationship between her family and the alleged fugitive.

The interview has since drawn reactions online, with observers closely monitoring developments surrounding the allegations and the government’s response.