Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of criminal proceedings linked to allegations of treason and other offences.
Koroma left Nigeria for Sierra Leone on Sunday, September 6, 2026, accompanied by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who saw him off as he began his journey home.
Jonathan later announced Koroma’s departure and said Nigeria had provided the former Sierra Leonean leader with a place of safety and support during his stay. He also said efforts had been made privately to encourage talks with Sierra Leonean authorities and create the conditions for Koroma’s return.
Koroma had been living in Nigeria since January 2024 after leaving Sierra Leone amid investigations into alleged offences connected with attacks in Freetown in November 2023.
The former president had initially travelled to Nigeria after receiving permission from Sierra Leonean judicial authorities to seek medical treatment. His stay, however, extended beyond two years while the legal issues surrounding him remained unresolved.
The Sierra Leonean government discontinued the criminal proceedings against Koroma in July 2026. The Attorney-General’s office subsequently confirmed that the case was no longer before the court, removing a major legal obstacle to his return.
Koroma served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018. He left office after completing two terms and later became involved in a legal controversy following the November 2023 incidents in the capital.
His return was also announced earlier by Sierra Leone’s Vice President Mohamed Jalloh, who said the former president would return as part of broader efforts toward peace and national unity.
After arriving in Sierra Leone, Koroma met journalists and confirmed his return to the country. He also indicated his willingness to take part in consultations and offer or receive guidance as Sierra Leone continues its efforts toward reconciliation.
Jonathan’s involvement in Koroma’s departure comes after efforts by individuals on both sides to encourage dialogue with the Sierra Leonean authorities. The former Nigerian president said he was pleased that Koroma could finally return home after his lengthy stay in Nigeria.
Koroma’s return brings to an end more than two years of residence in Nigeria and follows the formal discontinuation of the criminal proceedings that had kept his future in Sierra Leone uncertain.