Ex-Sierra Leone President Koroma Leaves Nigeria After Treason Charges Are Dropped

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after spending over two years in Nigeria following the withdrawal of treason charges against him.

It was gathered that Koroma left Nigeria on Sunday morning for Sierra Leone.

He was accompanied on the trip by former Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

Koroma, who led Sierra Leone between 2007 and 2018, had faced treason charges over an alleged failed coup attempt in November 2023.

Following the incident, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reportedly helped broker an arrangement under which Koroma relocated to Nigeria while efforts were made to resolve the case.

He arrived in Nigeria in January 2024 and had remained there since then.

The Sierra Leonean government announced in July that it had ended the criminal case against the former president.

The Attorney-General’s office said the matter was no longer before the courts, clearing the way for Koroma to return home.

Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh also announced on Friday that Koroma would return to Sierra Leone as part of efforts to promote peace and national unity.

In a statement released on Sunday by Magnus Eze, her media aide, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said talks involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders helped resolve the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister also thanked Sierra Leonean President Julius Bio, Koroma and other authorities in the country for their cooperation in supporting the peace process.

Jonathan, in a separate statement, said the discussions helped promote dialogue with the Sierra Leonean government and contributed to creating the right conditions for Koroma’s safe return.

He welcomed Koroma’s return to Freetown, expressing hope that it would open a new chapter of reconciliation and renewed optimism for Sierra Leone.

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