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Fatima Bio has denied knowing alleged Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers after criticism emerged over a video reportedly showing him attending a church service alongside Sierra Leone’s first family.
According to Reuters and the BBC, Leijdekkers – also known as “Chubby Jos” – allegedly appeared in footage shared on the First Lady’s social media accounts in January 2025. The video has since been deleted.
Leijdekkers has reportedly been sentenced in absentia by a Rotterdam court to 24 years in prison for cocaine trafficking into the Netherlands. Authorities in Europe consider him one of the continent’s most wanted fugitives.
Speaking to the BBC, Bio denied knowing the alleged drug dealer and dismissed suggestions that she was connected to him.
“I wouldn’t know because I’m not a criminal,” she said. “I don’t bring people into church. I’m not a Christian. I’m a Muslim. So I don’t know who was in that church.”
She also rejected online rumours linking Leijdekkers to her family, including claims that he allegedly fathered a child with her stepdaughter “These are all the lies I am not going to validate,” she told the BBC.
The controversy has added to growing scrutiny surrounding the First Lady, who has become one of the most visible and outspoken political figures in Sierra Leone. Bio frequently campaigns for politicians in the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and often comments publicly on national political issues.
Her active political involvement has divided opinion in the country. Supporters describe her as a strong advocate for women and young people, while critics accuse her of exceeding the traditional ceremonial role of a first lady.
During the State Opening of Parliament on 7 August 2025, some opposition lawmakers reportedly booed and mocked Bio as she entered parliament. Local media said derogatory songs were directed at her during the proceedings.
The First Lady told the BBC she was not affected by the incident. “It just shows that not all men are educated,” she said. “Not all men believe in women’s empowerment and women’s equality.”
Political analysts say Bio’s visibility and influence have fuelled speculation that she could seek higher political office in the future after President Julius Bio leaves office in 2028. Sierra Leone’s constitution bars him from running again after serving two terms.
However, Bio told the BBC she has no immediate ambition to become president. “I’m not hungry to be president,” she said. “It’ll have to be the will of God.”
