Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges against him.
Koroma left Nigeria on Sunday morning and was accompanied by former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, was charged with treason over his alleged involvement in a failed coup in November 2023.
Following the charges, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reportedly helped broker an arrangement under which Koroma relocated to Nigeria while legal proceedings against him were eventually discontinued.
He arrived in Nigeria in January 2024 and remained in the country until his return on Sunday.
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In July, the Sierra Leonean government announced that criminal proceedings against the former president had been discontinued.
The office of the Attorney-General said the case was no longer before the court and that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone.
On Friday, Sierra Leone Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh said Koroma’s return would be in the interest of peace and national cohesion.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, her media aide, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained discussions involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders helped resolve the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria.
She described Koroma’s conduct during his time away from Sierra Leone as restrained and statesmanlike, saying he remained committed to a peaceful resolution.
The minister also thanked President Julius Bio, Koroma and the Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation in facilitating his return.
Jonathan, in a separate statement, said the discussions helped promote dialogue with the Sierra Leonean government and created the 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 hope for Sierra Leone.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.