FG FACILITATES KOROMA’S RETURN TO SIERRA LEONE

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

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu. She described the development as the outcome of sustained diplomatic efforts involving Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and other stakeholders.

Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 after Sierra Leonean authorities charged him with treason and other offences linked to the November 2023 unrest in the country. He had initially been granted permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment, but remained there for more than two years.

The former president’s return became possible after Sierra Leone discontinued the criminal proceedings against him in July 2026, ending the legal case that had prevented his permanent return.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the diplomatic engagements helped improve understanding between Koroma and the Sierra Leonean government and created conditions for his safe and dignified return.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also joined efforts to facilitate Koroma’s return and saw him off before his journey to Freetown.

The Federal Government said Koroma’s return was expected to support reconciliation, political stability and democratic peace in Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.