Dutch Minister to Visit Sierra Leone to Push for Extradition of Drug Kingpin “Bolle Jos”
Caretaker Dutch Minister of Justice Foort van Oosten has announced plans to visit Sierra Leone in the coming days to press for the extradition of convicted Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos.”
The move follows growing frustration in The Hague over what Dutch authorities describe as Sierra Leone’s delayed response to a formal extradition request. Dutch intelligence reports suggest Leijdekkers has been in Sierra Leone since early 2025, yet he has not been transferred into Dutch custody.
“This man belongs behind bars,” van Oosten said, adding that recent intelligence continues to place the fugitive somewhere in Sierra Leone. He noted that his visit aims to secure cooperation from Sierra Leone and neighboring countries to ensure Leijdekkers’ arrest and extradition. The exact date of the visit remains undisclosed.
Identity Dispute
The case has become increasingly complicated due to conflicting claims regarding the suspect’s true identity. Dutch authorities insist the man is Leijdekkers, a 34-year-old sentenced in absentia to 24 years for large-scale cocaine trafficking. However, Sierra Leonean authorities maintain the individual is Umarr Sheriff.
Presidential Spokesman Alpha Kanu confirmed that the government is reviewing the situation.
“The Dutch said it’s Jos Leijdekkers; we don’t know that,” Kanu stated, noting that verification is ongoing.
The matter has attracted further attention amid unverified reports suggesting the suspect may have connections to influential figures in Sierra Leone. He was allegedly seen at a public event attended by President Julius Maada Bio earlier this year, with rumors — yet to be substantiated — claiming social links to the president’s family.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay confirmed that his office has reviewed the Dutch extradition request but stated that further action will depend on the outcome of ongoing police investigations, as provided for under the 1974 Extradition Act.
International interest intensified recently after Abdullah “Don Vito” Alp Üstün — reportedly linked to Leijdekkers — was extradited from Dubai to Turkey while allegedly in possession of a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport.
With van Oosten’s visit expected soon, pressure continues to mount on Sierra Leone to clarify the suspect’s identity and respond to the extradition request.
