Sierra Leonean authorities have granted freedom to 352 prisoners, including the renowned rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, widely known as Boss LAJ.
Boss LAJ, initially serving a nine-year sentence for robbery, was pardoned by President Julius Maada Bio on New Year’s Day, as confirmed by the country’s information ministry.
This decision follows an alleged coup attempt a month ago, resulting in over 20 deaths and approximately 2,000 prisoners escaping.
Notably, Boss LAJ was among the escapees but voluntarily surrendered to prison authorities in the capital, Freetown.
Information Minister Chernor Bah verified Boss LAJ’s release, emphasizing the rapper’s return to custody as a display of good civic citizenship.
The released prisoners, including 11 women, were serving sentences for various offenses, with Boss LAJ gaining recognition for his critical song lyrics directed at President Bio’s government.
Following the alleged coup, more than 80 individuals, primarily military officers, were arrested.
