FG facilitates ex-S’Leone President Koroma’s return after two-year Nigeria stay

Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma, to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, on Sunday, adding that she had accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu.

She said Koroma’s return marked the conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.

According to the minister, Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by ECOWAS aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.

She said the process helped create conditions for improved understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

The minister noted that sustained engagements during Koroma’s stay in Nigeria contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated his relocation.

She expressed appreciation to Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability.

She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.

Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan announced the return of former Sierra Leonean President Koroma to his home country.

Jonathan disclosed this in a post on X on Sunday, saying he had seen off Koroma as he began his journey back to Sierra Leone.

“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 said Nigeria had been Koroma’s “home away from home” for more than two years, expressing gratitude that the country was able to provide him with friendship and support during the period.

“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.

“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown,” he said.

Jonathan wished the former Sierra Leonean leader a safe journey and expressed hope that his return would contribute to reconciliation in the country.

“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,” he said.

Koroma, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, relocated to Nigeria in 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences over a failed coup attempt in November 2023.

He denied the allegations.

While facing trial, Koroma was granted permission to travel to Abuja, Nigeria, for medical treatment.

The arrangement was brokered by regional mediators from the Economic Community of West African States amid heightened political tensions in Sierra Leone.

Although his medical leave was initially expected to last three months, he remained in Nigeria for more than two years amid legal restrictions and diplomatic engagements.

However, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice discontinued the criminal proceedings and dropped the treason charges against Koroma in July 2026, paving the way for his return.

Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Jalloh had earlier announced Koroma’s return during a gathering of local leaders and residents in Makeni, a stronghold of the former president.

“In the spirit of peace and national cohesion, the former president Dr Ernest Bai Koroma will return to the country this weekend,” Jalloh said.

The November 2023 attacks left at least 21 people dead and allowed hundreds of prisoners to escape before security forces regained control.

Two dozen soldiers and Koroma’s former bodyguard were later sentenced to prison terms ranging from 50 to 100 years by a military court over their alleged involvement in the mutiny.

Koroma briefly returned to Sierra Leone in July after the charges against him were dropped, attending an ECOWAS summit at the invitation of President Julius Maada Bio.

His full return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 general elections and amid government efforts to promote national reconciliation and political stability.