Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria.
Koroma left Sierra Leone after an attempted coup in November 2023 led to treason charges against him. He travelled to Nigeria in January 2024 as part of regional efforts to ease the political tensions surrounding the case.
The Sierra Leonean government ended the criminal proceedings against Koroma in July 2026. The attorney-general’s office later confirmed that the case was no longer before the court, allowing him to return home.
Koroma served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018.
Koroma Travels Home With Nigerian Officials
Koroma left Nigeria on Sunday accompanied by former Nigerian presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
The return followed discussions involving the Nigerian government, ECOWAS and Sierra Leonean authorities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma maintained a restrained approach throughout his time away from Sierra Leone.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome.”
She also thanked Sierra Leonean President Julius Bio, Koroma and Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation during the process.
Why Koroma Had Been In Nigeria
The former president moved to Nigeria after the November 2023 coup attempt in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leonean authorities subsequently charged him with treason in connection with the unrest. His relocation to Nigeria became part of regional diplomatic efforts to address the political dispute.
Koroma remained in Nigeria for more than two years while discussions continued over his situation.
What Ended The Case
In July 2026, Sierra Leone announced that criminal proceedings against Koroma had been discontinued.
The attorney-general’s office then confirmed that the case was no longer active in court. This removed the legal barrier to Koroma returning to Sierra Leone.
Jonathan Welcomes Koroma’s Return
Goodluck Jonathan also welcomed Koroma’s return to Freetown.
The former Nigerian president said discussions between the parties had helped create the conditions for Koroma’s return. He expressed hope that Koroma’s homecoming would support reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
Koroma’s return marks the end of his more than two-year stay in Nigeria following the 2023 coup attempt and the treason proceedings that followed.
