By Janet A. Sesay
High Court judge, Justice Adrian Fisher has on Friday 17 March 2023 sentenced popular musician Alhaji Amadu Bah, aka LAJ, to 9 years imprisonment on three counts of charges of robbery and 3 years 6 months on count 4, which is inflicting grievous bodily harm.
The judgement furthered that LAJ should pay a compensation fee to the affected victims and the fuel station. His sentenced came after he was found guilty on all four counts charges on 13 March 2023.
When the judge retired after LAJ made his plea mitigation, the court was quiet like a graveyard, while supporters, family members were watching in anticipation of a judgement in their favour.
LAJ who was dressed in a white shirt and a blue jean, sat down looking straight ahead at the judge.
The judge asked LAJ to stand while he handed down the sentence, which followed that on 27 July 2021 he was charged with riotous conduct and disorderly behaviour which is pending trial at the magistrate court.
The judge said it gave him no pleasure to give the sentence but he had to do so according to law and he couldn’t get out of it.
That the offence he was convicted for are as follows; on count 1 LAJ was sentenced to 9 years; count 2, nine years; on count 3, 9 years imprisonment and; count 4, three years six months, all of which sentences should run concurrently and time spent already in custody should be taken into consideration.
In addition, Justice Fisher said pursuant to the provision of sec. 54 of CPA 1965, ordered the convicted person to pay compensation to the victims; that he is to pay NLe10,000 to Francess, NLe5,000 to Ishmail Kamara, and NLe5,000 to Christian Kororma including their expenses of twenty million leones (NLe20,000).
While leaving the dock, LAJ’s family members and friends wept, as he waved saying goodbye to them, pleading with them to be strong for him.
Alhaji Amadu Bah, while making his plea for mercy, accepted responsibility for the crime he had been convicted of and apologised for his actions to the victims and the LEONCO petrol station, and for his behaviour.
Although he denied being a thief, he had shown remorse and asked for forgiveness. LAJ has apologised to his fans, family, and friends for his behaviour and shown remorse for his actions. Despite the severity of the consequences he was facing, LAJ had taken a humble and contrite stance, recognising the harm he had caused and expressed his desire to make things right.
In his plea, LAJ emphasised that he was a giver and a man of peace, highlighting the positive impact of his music on his fans and colleagues relative to bringing people together and promoting peace.
He has also mentioned his collaboration with the President and First Lady of the republic in promoting peace. Though he acknowledged the severity of his crime, he also emphasised his positive contributions to society.