Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma returns home from Nigeria after treason case was discontinued

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to his country after spending more than two years in Nigeria following the withdrawal of criminal proceedings against him.

Koroma departed Nigeria for Freetown on Sunday, September 6, about two and a half years after leaving Sierra Leone amid a treason case linked to an alleged attempt to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio’s government. Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan announced Koroma’s departure in a post on X, saying he was pleased to see the former Sierra Leonean leader return home.

“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone,” Jonathan said. “Nigeria was his home away from home for over two years, and I am grateful we could offer friendship, support, and solidarity during that period.

“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return. As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown.”

Koroma travelled to Nigeria in January 2024 after a Sierra Leonean High Court granted him permission to leave the country on medical grounds despite facing treason charges. He had been indicted over his alleged involvement in a failed attempt to overthrow Bio’s government in November 2023. Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, denied any involvement in the incident.

During the November 2023 unrest, gunmen attacked military barracks and a prison, freeing about 2,200 inmates. More than 20 people were killed. The case unfolded amid political tensions following Sierra Leone’s disputed 2023 presidential election, in which Bio secured a second term.

Koroma’s lawyers rejected the allegations against him, describing the charges as “trumped up” and part of a political vendetta. Sierra Leonean authorities discontinued the criminal proceedings against the former president in July, ending the high-profile treason case that had placed him at the centre of a national security investigation.

In a public notice, Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General, Alpha Sasay, confirmed that the proceedings against Koroma had been discontinued and the case removed from the court’s docket. The notice also said Koroma’s bail conditions had ended with immediate effect. Sasay did not provide a reason for the decision to discontinue the case.