By Hosea Parah
Ex-Sierra Leone President, Ernest Koroma, has returned to his home country after Sierra Leone discontinued criminal proceedings against him.
Former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, saw Koroma off to the airport on Sunday when he was departing for Sierra Leone.
Jonathan disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Sunday, describing Koroma as his “dear friend and brother.”
“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, adding that he was grateful Nigeria had been able to offer him friendship, support and solidarity during that 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.
“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,” Jonathan said.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, left the country for Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences over the November 2023 attacks in Freetown.
The Sierra Leonean government discontinued the criminal proceedings against Koroma in July 2026.
The Attorney-General’s office said the proceedings were no longer before the court and that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone.
Koroma had travelled to Nigeria after receiving permission from Sierra Leonean judicial authorities to undergo medical treatment.
He subsequently remained in Nigeria for more than two years.
His return came after Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Jalloh announced on Friday that Koroma would return to the country in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.
After arriving in Sierra Leone, Koroma held a press conference, saying he was “back home” and indicating that he was open to consultations and advice.