US Immigration Arrest Musical Promoter Pa Ousman Joof!!!

….Atlanta Residents Express Shock!!!!

The Manager of Gambia’s leading musician Freaky Joe, Pa Ousman Joof, widely known as Pa Ous,  has been arrested by the agents of  the US  Immigration, the Freedom Newspaper was reliably informed. Mr. Joof who was reported to be on a deportation order,  was arrested recently by the  US Customs and Immigration agents.

 Reliable sources who reached the Freedom Newspaper, said The Gambian Community in Atlanta are working on securing Joof’s release. Mr. Joof used to reside in Raleigh, North Carolina, prior to moving to Atlanta.

His arrest came as a surprise to The Gambian Community in Atlanta. Mr. Joof has been actively engaged in Community Development activities. His arrest shocked many here.

While Joof was busy on his July 4^TH musical promotion jamboree, Immigration agents arrested him. Joof is currently serving as a guest at the Atlanta Immigration detention centre.

Meantime, Gambian rising musical star Freaky Joe was billed to perform in Atlanta on July 4^Th, 2008. His manager is currently languishing in Immigration custody, pending the determination of his fate. His manager's absence would no doubt affect the artist's moral.

“ Efforts are being made to secure Mr. Joof’s release. We are working very hard to secure his freedom. Pa Ousman is a disciplined young man, who is widely loved by the Community here. It’s unfortunate that he ran into the trap of the Immigration. We are very hopeful  that he would be released soon.” Said a resident of Atlanta.

Informed sources say a fundraising drive was recently initiated on behalf of the detained musical promoter. “ He needs our support and we are going to look out for him. Mr. Joof should not be deported to The Gambia. He is a  law abiding immigrant.” Said another resident of Atlanta.

In another development, the Atlanta based AGERA NGO is also working on securing Mr.Joof’s release. AGERA has been raising funds for Joof, with the sole objective of  getting him out of detention.

Mr. Joof who graduated from The ST. Augustine's Senior Secondary  School, was a comedian in The Gambia, prior to traveling to the United States.  He authored many play writing shows-most importantly on malaria and HIV prevention initiatives. Mr. Joof is also the President of  The Gambian Talents.

Efforts to speak to Mr. Joof's family in  Atlanta proved abortive. He was raised in Banjul, but orginally from Rural Gambia. Mr. Joof is a household name in The Gambia. He appeared on You Tube recently promoting The Gambian Talents Musical competion, which was scheduled to take place in The Gambia.