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Dutch Justice Minister David Van Weel has stepped up pressure on Sierra Leone over the extradition of wanted drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers (Bolle Jos), saying the Netherlands will not relent until he is brought to justice.
Speaking on AYV’s State of the Nation, on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, Van Weel said information available to the Dutch Government indicates that Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos,” has been hiding in Sierra Leone for several years.
Van Weel said the Netherlands submitted an extradition request to Sierra Leone years ago, but alleged that the process has stalled.
“For us, I think the time has come to speed up this process. We are ready to receive him, and we are ready to assist Sierra Leone in any way we can, and we have to in order for us to have a safe transfer,” he said.
The Dutch minister issued a strong warning over the Netherlands’ determination to secure Leijdekkers’ return, saying his alleged criminal activities have had a significant impact on Dutch society.
“We will not rest until this individual makes it into jail,” Van Weel said, adding that Dutch authorities had seen what he described as corruption and other serious consequences linked to Leijdekkers’ alleged criminal network.
Van Weel also disclosed that he recently met Sierra Leone’s Minister of Justice and Attorney-General, Alpha Sesay, in Ghana, where they discussed the extradition request and broader cooperation between the two countries.
He urged Sierra Leonean authorities to accelerate the process and reiterated the Netherlands’ readiness to provide assistance to facilitate what he described as a safe transfer.
The comments have renewed scrutiny over Leijdekkers’ alleged presence in Sierra Leone and the status of the Dutch extradition request, while placing further focus on judicial cooperation between Freetown and The Hague.
Van Weel’s remarks signal continued pressure from the Dutch Government for Sierra Leone to advance the extradition process involving the wanted fugitive.
