Former Sierra Leone President Koroma Returns Home After Treason Case Is Dropped

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the discontinuation of treason-related criminal proceedings against him.

Koroma departed Nigeria on Sunday after former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan accompanied him to his point of departure.

The former Sierra Leonean leader had been based in Nigeria since January 2024, when he travelled to the country for medical treatment after being indicted over the November 2023 attacks in Freetown.

Sierra Leonean authorities had accused Koroma of treason and other offences in connection with the attacks, prompting him to remain outside the country while the legal proceedings continued.

However, the criminal case against him was discontinued in July 2026 after the Attorney-General’s office confirmed that the proceedings were no longer active.

The development paved the way for Koroma to return home, with Jonathan playing a role in efforts to facilitate his departure from Nigeria.

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, had travelled to Nigeria after receiving approval from the Sierra Leonean authorities to seek medical care.

His return was also linked to renewed efforts to promote peace and national reconciliation in Sierra Leone. Vice President Mohamed Jalloh had earlier announced that Koroma would return to the country as part of efforts to foster national unity.

Speaking to journalists after arriving in Freetown, Koroma confirmed his return and expressed his readiness to listen to advice and participate in consultations as he begins his new chapter back home.

His arrival brings to an end his prolonged stay in Nigeria, which lasted more than two years amid the legal proceedings against him.

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