Alusine Kanneh, chief immigration officer of Sierra Leone, was dismissed after a video surfaced showing him accepting a gift from fugitive drug lord Jos Leijdekkers. This incident raises suspicions about Leijdekkers’ ties with Sierra Leone’s political elite, including President Bio and his daughter. The country faces scrutiny amid allegations of providing sanctuary to drug traffickers, particularly given ongoing manhunts for Leijdekkers.
Sierra Leone’s chief immigration officer, Alusine Kanneh, was dismissed following a video release of him accepting a gift from notorious drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, who is evading law enforcement in West Africa. The video, posted by investigative outlet Follow the Money, attracted significant attention, revealing Kanneh participating in a gathering with Leijdekkers, also known as “Chubby Jos.”
The presence of high-ranking officials, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, with Leijdekkers has prompted allegations that the drug baron has cultivated connections within the country’s political elite. Furthermore, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, head of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, was captured on film at the same event.
Upon the video’s reveal, President Bio exercised his authority to terminate Kanneh from his position, although the Information Minister, Chernor Bah, refrained from detailing the dismissal’s reasons. Leijdekkers is labeled a significant player in the international cocaine trade by Europol, enhancing the gravity of the situation.
Opposition figures, like Mohamed Mansaray, assert that the government has granted asylum to Leijdekkers. Evidence suggests he is romantically linked with President Bio’s daughter, Agnes, complicating the accusations against the government. A Dutch court has sentenced Leijdekkers in absentia to 24 years for his criminal activities, while Europol has placed a significant bounty for information leading to his capture.
The Sierra Leone Police launched a manhunt for Leijdekkers in February, but as of now, there have been no updates on his status. Recent discussions regarding the case occurred between Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel and Sierra Leone’s Alpha Sesay, emphasizing the urgency of addressing criminal activities within Sierra Leone.
The recent firing of Sierra Leone’s immigration chief, Alusine Kanneh, underscores the serious implications of drug trafficking connections within the country. The situation, marked by evident ties between Leijdekkers and the political elite, raises concerns about the integrity of the Sierra Leonean government. Ongoing discussions between Dutch and Sierra Leonean officials demonstrate the international interest in apprehending Leijdekkers and addressing drug-related issues in West Africa.
Original Source: punchng.com