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Sierra Leonean musician and Peace Ambassador Alhaji Amadu Bah, popularly known as King Boss La or LAJ, has appealed to his supporters for calm and restraint as he remains in custody facing charges of insulting conduct and cyberbullying.
Following his third appearance at the Bo Magistrate Court, where his case was adjourned to April 21, 2026, the rapper issued a public statement urging fans and family not to interfere with the ongoing judicial process.
“Please to the fans and family, desist from negatively impacting this case. Let maintain calm through these proceedings,” LAJ stated, emphasizing his commitment to respecting due process regardless of the trial’s outcome.
In his message, Boss LAJ also reiterated his contrition regarding the incident that led to his arrest. “Despite the outcome of the court today, I still stand on the apology to the mayor, Kenematonians, and Sierra Leone at large,” he said.
The rapper, alongside co-accused Ibrahim “Prezo” Koroma, is facing three counts stemming from a March 21, 2026, incident at the Bo Shopping Plaza. During a live performance, LAJ allegedly referred to Kenema Mayor Thomas Karimu Baio as “a bastard.” The remarks were captured on video and widely circulated on social media.
During an April 8 court appearance, LAJ knelt before Mayor Baio in the courtroom to plead for forgiveness. He followed this with a formal public apology the next day, acknowledging that his emotional outburst “fell short of the level of respect and responsibility expected” of a public figure.
Despite the public displays of remorse, Magistrate Samuel James Brima declined to dismiss the charges. The magistrate ruled that criminal proceedings must continue according to the law, noting that an apology “does not override the judicial process.”
Efforts at mediation remain ongoing outside the courtroom. On April 11, key stakeholders in Kenema convened at Mayor Baio’s private residence to discuss potential reconciliation, though opinions remained divided on whether to grant forgiveness or press forward with the prosecution.
Mayor Baio has maintained that he seeks genuine accountability rather than financial compensation. His conditions for any potential out-of-court resolution include a signed undertaking from LAJ, a comprehensive public apology broadcast on local radio and video targeting Kenema audiences, and a potential performance ban for the artist in the Eastern Region.
