Popular Sierra Leonean rapper Alhaji Amadu Bah, known as LAJ, and Ibrahim Koroma (Prezo Koroma) publicly apologised to Kenema Mayor Thomas Baio in court on Wednesday, with LAJ kneeling in a symbolic gesture of regret — but Magistrate Samuel James Brima refused to accept the apology as grounds for an immediate settlement, ruling that the criminal case must proceed according to law.

The two men remain remanded at the Bo Male Correctional Centre until Tuesday, 14 April 2026, when the case will resume.

Defence lawyers had indicated a willingness to resolve the matter out of court, and both accused offered direct apologies to Mayor Baio during the hearing on 8 April. LAJ’s kneeling drew widespread attention in the packed courtroom.

However, Magistrate Brima rejected the approach, stressing that the case is a criminal matter — not a civil dispute — and that symbolic gestures cannot substitute for formal legal procedure. He noted that bail had not yet been formally considered and that the court must focus on facts over personalities.

Related News

The case stems from allegations that on 21 March 2026, in Bo City, the two caused a video to be circulated on social media with intent to insult the complainant and cause him unnecessary anxiety. Prosecutors further alleged that LAJ referred to Mayor Thomas Baio as a “bastard child.”

They face three counts under Sections 44(1)(b) and 44(2) of the Cyber Security and Crime Act, 2021.

Both men were initially remanded on 2 April 2026 after failing to appear at their first court date, which led to the issuance of a bench warrant.

Their case has now been adjourned twice, with the next hearing set for 14 April.