By George Omagbemi
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason and other criminal charges against him.
Koroma arrived in Freetown on Sunday from Nigeria, accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. He was received by Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray and officials of his opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
Koroma, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, left for Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged over his alleged involvement in a failed November 2023 coup attempt. He had initially been granted permission to travel to Nigeria for three months for medical treatment but remained there for more than two years amid diplomatic efforts.
Sierra Leone’s Justice Ministry discontinued the criminal proceedings against him in July 2026, effectively clearing the way for his return. Koroma denied involvement in the alleged coup.
The November 2023 uprising left at least 21 people dead and resulted in hundreds of prisoners escaping after armed attackers stormed military and correctional facilities.
Speaking after his arrival, Koroma said he was happy to be back home.
His return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 presidential election and is being viewed as an important development for national reconciliation and political stability.
Leave a Reply