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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma, has returned to his country after spending more than two years in Nigeria following his departure from Freetown in January 2024.
Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed Koroma’s return on Sunday, September 6, saying efforts had been made quietly to encourage dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and create conditions for his safe return.
“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone,” Jonathan said in a Facebook post.
“Nigeria was his home away from home for over two years, and I am grateful that we were able to offer friendship, support and solidarity during that period.”
Koroma’s return followed a July 2026 decision by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice to drop treason-related charges brought against him in connection with the country’s failed November 2023 coup.
Sierra Leone Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, had earlier indicated that the former president would return home at the weekend.
Jonathan said he and others had worked behind the scenes to facilitate dialogue towards Koroma’s return.
“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,” he said.
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“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown.”
Jonathan expressed hope that the former president’s homecoming would contribute to healing and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.
“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.
“Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home,” he said.
Pictures from the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, showed Jonathan and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, with Koroma before his departure.
As of the time the report was filed at 3:33pm, neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs nor the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had issued a statement on the development.
Koroma arrived in Nigeria on January 19, 2024, aboard a Nigerian presidential aircraft after a Sierra Leonean High Court granted him permission on January 17 to travel abroad for medical treatment for an initial period of three months.
His return brings to an end a stay in Nigeria that ultimately lasted more than two years.
