By Amin Kef (Ranger)
During the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Conference held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, provided a comprehensive update on ongoing drug-related investigations involving Sierra Leoneans and the Government’s stance on recent international allegations.
Addressing the media, the Minister confirmed that Guinean authorities have completed their investigation into the case involving a Sierra Leone Embassy utility vehicle found with suspected illicit substances. He stated that the individuals apprehended in the vehicle have been charged to court in Guinea. However, investigations found no evidence implicating the then Sierra Leone Ambassador to Guinea.
“The Guinean authorities have cleared the former Ambassador of any criminal involvement. His recall by President Julius Maada Bio was a matter of discretion, not disciplinary action,” Chernor Bah clarified.
On the issue of the alleged Dutch drug trafficker, known as Jos, the Minister assured the public that the Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, is working closely with international partners, including the Dutch authorities, to ensure that the extradition process is handled lawfully and efficiently.
“The extradition will be conducted strictly in accordance with Sierra Leone’s legal framework,” he emphasized. “The rule of law must be respected in all international judicial processes.”
Responding to recent media reports alleging that a Turkish drug lord was in possession of a Sierra Leonean diplomatic passport, Chernor Bah confirmed that an investigation is underway to establish the veracity of the claims. He reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on the misuse of national documents and reiterated that no known criminal has ever been issued a Sierra Leonean passport by the state.
“Anyone can choose to be a criminal on their own volition,” Chernor Bah said. “But it is important for the public to understand that the Government of Sierra Leone does not and will not knowingly issue diplomatic or ordinary passports to individuals of criminal background.”
The Minister urged the media and the public to exercise restraint and await official findings as the Government continues its investigations, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and the rule of law in all national and international matters.
