FG Facilitates Ex-S’Leone President Koroma’s Return After Two-Year Nigeria Stay

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

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on Sunday on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu, marking the conclusion of a regional diplomatic process aimed at promoting peace, stability and political reconciliation.

Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 after Sierra Leonean authorities charged him with treason and other offences following a failed military uprising in November 2023.

The former president, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, had initially been permitted by a court to travel to Nigeria for three months to receive medical treatment. However, he remained in the country for more than two years amid continuing legal and diplomatic developments.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s stay in Nigeria was part of broader efforts involving the Economic Community of West African States and other stakeholders to ease political tensions in Sierra Leone.

She said sustained engagement during the period helped create conditions for improved understanding between Koroma and President Julius Maada Bio and ultimately paved the way for his safe and dignified return.

The minister commended Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace, saying Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also accompanied the foreign minister and Koroma during the journey to Freetown.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan had earlier announced Koroma’s departure from Nigeria, describing the country as the former Sierra Leonean leader’s “home away from home” during his extended stay.

Jonathan said efforts were made quietly with others to encourage dialogue and engagement with Sierra Leonean authorities and create conditions for Koroma’s return.

Koroma’s return became possible after Sierra Leone discontinued criminal proceedings against him in July 2026, effectively ending the treason case and associated restrictions.

The charges followed the November 2023 attacks in Freetown, during which armed men targeted military facilities and prisons. At least 21 people were killed, while hundreds of inmates escaped before security forces regained control.

Koroma denied involvement in the attempted coup.

His return marks the end of a prolonged period in Nigeria and represents another step toward political reconciliation in Sierra Leone. Nigerian officials expressed confidence that his homecoming would contribute to national cohesion and lasting peace in the West African country.