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Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, has stated that he cannot confirm whether Umar Sheriff, a man alleged to be internationally wanted fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, is currently in Sierra Leone, emphasizing that security authorities are actively searching for him.
Speaking during a media engagement, Lengor said he has repeatedly sought updates from the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, regarding efforts to locate the individual who was identified in a widely circulated viral video.
According to the Minister, he specifically asked the Inspector General whether Umar Sheriff was in police custody and was informed that he was not. He further inquired whether the police were searching for him and was told that efforts to locate him were ongoing.
Lengor dismissed suggestions that state authorities were deliberately shielding or concealing the whereabouts of the individual, stressing that law enforcement agencies remain committed to investigating the matter.
He explained that it is not uncommon for suspects or persons of interest to evade detection, citing previous cases in which security agencies had difficulty locating individuals despite active efforts to apprehend them.
The Minister noted that timely intelligence sharing plays a critical role in law enforcement operations, arguing that suspects can often flee once information about investigations becomes publicly known.
Drawing from his experience as a former police officer, Lengor recalled instances in which Sierra Leonean authorities successfully worked with international partners to track and repatriate wanted individuals based on intelligence received through official channels.
He maintained that, at present, authorities have not been able to establish the whereabouts of Umar Sheriff and therefore cannot confirm whether he remains in the country.
“As for me, I do not know whether Umar Sheriff is in Sierra Leone or not. The police are looking for him, but they have not traced him in Sierra Leone. Once they trace him, he will be arrested and all other necessary steps will be taken,” the Minister said.
The remarks come amid continued public interest in the case following the circulation of videos and reports linking Umar Sheriff to Jos Leijdekkers, a figure reportedly wanted by international law enforcement authorities.
Security officials have not announced any arrest in connection with the matter, and investigations are said to be ongoing.
