By: Saidu Jalloh
The Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone has received an official extradition request from the Netherlands for Jos Leiddekers during the government’s weekly press briefing on February 11, 2025, at the Miatta Conference Center.
Minister Bah stated that the Dutch government submitted the request through Sierra Leone’s embassies in Ghana and Belgium, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally received the documents on February 10, 2025. He emphasised that Sierra Leone would only proceed with the extradition if the alleged crimes committed in the Netherlands are also offenses under Sierra Leonean law and if sufficient evidence is provided.
“We can only extradite him if we see sufficient evidence against him,” Bah asserted.
The minister further noted that the Sierra Leone Police, through the Inspector General, had not found any record of an individual named Jos Leiddekers entering the country. He reiterated that Sierra Leone is a sovereign state and any extradition request must follow due process, including verifying the evidence through legal channels.
Additionally, Bah disclosed that once all necessary documents are reviewed, the case would be forwarded to the Attorney General, who would assess the request and present it to the courts for legal proceedings. He assured that legal representation would be arranged for both Leiddekers and the Dutch government, and if the legal process confirms the extradition request, he would be handed over accordingly.
Minister Bah also referenced a pending Sierra Leonean extradition request for an individual named Adebayo, who resides in the Netherlands and is accused of inciting unrest and orchestrating crimes in Sierra Leone. Despite multiple efforts, the Netherlands has yet to respond to that request.
Minister Bah stressed that the Sierra Leone Government, remains committed to upholding legal and diplomatic procedures in all extradition matters.
