By Saio Marrah
Popular rapper, Alhaji Amadu Bah, better known as LAJ has been jailed for nine years after he was found guilty on four counts of robbery with violence and assault on attendants at a petrol station at Congo Cross in Freetown.
The verdict read out by Justice Fisher on Friday 17thMarch found the musician guilty of causing assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
His jail term covers also the 278 days he had already spent on remand.
The convict is also to pay a compensation fee of NLE 10,000 to Francess Wilson, NLE 5,000 toIshmael Kamara and another NLE 5,000 to Christiana Koroma all pump attendants at the Filling Station.
In addition , he should pay NLE 20,000 (twenty thousand new Leones) as part of expenses incurred by the prosecution.
LAJ is to also pay an amount of LE 490,000 (Four Hundred and Ninety thousand Old Leones as the amount he should have paid for the fuel pumped into the vehicle on the day of the incident.
Before his sentence was read out, the rapper dressed in a neatly ironed white shirt with blue jeans and sneakers , thanked the judge for giving him the chance to speak for the first in the nine month trial .He said he accepted the conviction by the judge because he is a respecter of the law and that he respects the justice system.
LAJ noted that he took responsibility for his act and that he does not regard himself as an Icon but an ordinary human being.
He said he was very sorry for the victims and all those involved saying “I do not wish to cause the harm that happened.”
Shedding tears profusely and pausing for a while he said, “I am very sorry to my fans, family members…”
He denied stealing a phone from anyone saying he helps people in need.
He said he had learned a lot and transformed in the nine months in detention – a period that he described as the longest in his life.
“When you told me to focus on music I know how I felt . I know that was a show of love from you as your own child,”the rapper stated.
After narrating the positive impact he had created through music in society, he said he is not using his status to do bad, but people know him as a care giver.
LAJ said “please have sympathy for my three beautiful daughters. Since I got this problem I have not been opportuned to touch them or feed them.”
He added:“I am supposed to be in stadium and invite you (judge) to my show, but instead I am before you…,” he continued.
After admitting that he had learned his lesson as to who he should mingle with, where he should be, what to do and not to do, he also pointed out that he had learned that as a super star there are cameras around him everywhere he goes.
He pleaded for the judge to free him so that he can go out of the country for medical treatment as according to him, he has a very serious health issue.
LAJ said to the judge “please have mercy on me I will be the greatest example to comport myself.”
LAJ promised to be a peace ambassador and and also called on young people to stay away from violence.
But State Prosecutor, Yusif Isaac Sesay called on the judge to impose a stiffer sentence saying the convict committed the crime when he was on bail for another crime of riotous conduct and assault on Police, a case that is still under investigation at the Pademba Road Magistrate court in Freetown.
The prosecutor said the convict being a music star, he should be a good example and that for his status the bar is raised higher the way he comports himself and the way he approaches issues even if he is provoked. Sesay said “there are certain issues you exercise restraint”and that “the act of impunity has no place in our society.”
The state prosecutor said people should not be going out to find their daily living only to be robbed by a-musician.
He said the state will protect everyone and at the same time hold everyone to account no matter their status.
The state prosecutor called on the judge to sentence him to the 34 years so that the victims’ hope and confidence in the justice system will be restored.
LAJ stood in the dock, head bowed, his hands clasped in front as judge Fisher read out his sentence.
Immediately the court hearing ended, a lady believed to be his relative fainted and was rushed out of the courtroom.
Some of his fellow musicians were seen outside the court building weeping.
Another man could be seen pressed slumped against the wheel of a grey SUV jeep crying bitterly.
Justice Fisher had earlier said the evidence against the musician was overwhelming .
Copyright © 2023 Politico (20/03/23)
