Former Sierra Leone president Ernest Bai Koroma returns home from Nigeria after treason charges dropped

Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges linked to an alleged failed coup attempt in 2023.

Koroma arrived in Freetown on Sunday accompanied by former Nigerian presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.

The former president, who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, left for Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences over his alleged involvement in the November 2023 unrest.

The unrest involved attacks on military facilities, prisons and police stations in Freetown, leaving 21 people dead. Koroma denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

He was initially granted permission to remain in Nigeria for three months for medical treatment but ultimately stayed for more than two years.

His relocation followed negotiations involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at easing political tensions between Koroma and President Julius Maada Bio. As part of the arrangement, Nigeria agreed to host the former leader.

In July, Sierra Leone’s government announced that it had discontinued criminal proceedings against Koroma. The Attorney-General’s office said the case was no longer before the court and that he was free to return home.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, Nigeria and other stakeholders had helped resolve the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” the Minister said.

She thanked President Julius Bio, Koroma and Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

In a separate statement, former President Jonathan said the discussions encouraged dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and helped create the conditions for Koroma’s safe and dignified return.

Koroma’s return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 presidential elections and follows calls by Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh for the former president to return home in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.