Opposition politician and investigative journalist Dr. Sylvia Blyden has revealed new findings in her investigation into businessman Omar Sheriff, who has been linked to an extradition request by the Dutch government.

The Netherlands recently requested the extradition of Jos Leijdekker, a convicted drug trafficker sentenced in absentia to 24 years for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Reports suggest Leijdekker has been living in Sierra Leone for six months.

Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, stated that the individual in question has been identified as Umar Sheriff. However, Blyden’s investigation raises doubts about whether Sheriff and Leijdekker are actually the same person.

Unanswered Questions About Omar Sheriff’s Identity

According to Blyden’s report, Sheriff, described as a Norwegian-Turkish investor, has been in Sierra Leone since late 2022, with business interests across West Africa. She suggests he may have recently fled the country.

Her findings also include details of a violent altercation involving Sheriff at Scarlett Nightclub on December 31, 2022, where Lebanese businessman Hussein Fawaz was shot. Although initial reports of the incident were suppressed, police later cleared Sheriff, calling him a victim. He then participated in paid media interviews, promoting his investment plans in Sierra Leone.

Blyden speculates that if Sheriff is indeed Leijdekker, it would mean he escaped to Africa instead of South America, as previously suspected. She also notes the presence of then-Chief Whip of Parliament, Alusine Kanneh—now Chief Immigration Officer—at the nightclub incident, where he claimed to be breaking up the fight.

Additionally, Blyden highlights a media article that portrayed Sheriff as a victim in the shooting while emphasizing his role as an investor.

Where is Omar Sheriff Now?

Reports indicate that Sheriff may have left Sierra Leone days ago. Allegedly connected to President Bio’s daughter, he is said to have business operations across West Africa, potentially using one of those locations as a hiding place.

With evidence confirming Sheriff’s presence in Sierra Leone since 2022, Blyden suggests that if he is Leijdekker, his escape route from Europe took him to Africa rather than South America.

The lingering question remains: Is Omar Sheriff actually Jos Leijdekker? The Dutch government appears to believe so, but further investigation is needed.