Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the discontinuance of treason and other criminal proceedings instituted against him over the November 2023 unrest in Sierra Leone.
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Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan saw Koroma off on Sunday, September 6, describing his return as a significant moment for peace, reconciliation and national cohesion in Sierra Leone.
Koroma, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, travelled to Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged with treason, misprision of treason and related offences arising from investigations into the November 2023 attacks in Freetown, which authorities described as an attempted coup.
He had been granted permission by judicial authorities to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment while the criminal proceedings remained pending.
Although the initial arrangement reportedly allowed him to remain outside Sierra Leone for a limited period, Koroma subsequently stayed in Nigeria for more than two years.
The legal situation changed in July 2026 when Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice formally discontinued the criminal proceedings against the former president.
The Attorney-General filed a notice of discontinuance pursuant to Section 45 of Sierra Leone’s Criminal Procedure Act 2024, bringing the pending proceedings to an end and terminating Koroma’s bail conditions.
The government subsequently confirmed that the proceedings were no longer before the court and that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone at any time of his choosing.
His eventual return on Sunday followed further consultations and engagements involving political and regional actors.
Jonathan, who disclosed that he had been involved alongside others in encouraging dialogue between Koroma and the Sierra Leonean authorities, said Nigeria had served as the former president’s “home away from home” during the period.
“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.
He added that he was pleased Nigeria had been able to provide Koroma with friendship, support and solidarity during his stay.
According to Jonathan, efforts had continued quietly to create an environment that would allow the former Sierra Leonean leader to return home peacefully and with dignity.
“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,” he said.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown.”
Jonathan expressed hope that Koroma’s return would contribute to reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
“President Koroma, I wish you a safe journey, peace of mind and every success in this new chapter. May your return be a moment of renewed hope and reconciliation for you, your family and the people of Sierra Leone.
“Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home,” he added.
Koroma’s return had earlier been announced by Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who said the former president was expected back in the country in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.
The development marks a major turn in the political and legal controversy that followed the November 2023 violence in Freetown.
Koroma had been charged after authorities investigated attacks on military installations and prisons during which armed men freed detainees and engaged security forces.
The former president consistently maintained his innocence in relation to the events.
The discontinuance of the proceedings in July removed the immediate legal obstacle to his return, with the Attorney-General’s office confirming that his bail conditions had also ceased to operate.
The discontinuance, however, was a termination of the pending proceedings rather than a judicial acquittal following a full trial.
After arriving in Sierra Leone on Sunday, Koroma addressed the public, declaring that he was “back home” and signalling his willingness to participate in consultations and offer advice where necessary.
His return comes amid calls for reconciliation and political stability in Sierra Leone following the tensions generated by the 2023 unrest and the subsequent prosecution of persons accused of involvement.
For Koroma, the journey back to Freetown closes more than two years of residence in Nigeria that began under a medical arrangement while the criminal case remained pending and ended after Sierra Leonean authorities formally discontinued the proceedings against him.
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