The Federal Government has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to his home country after spending more than two years in Nigeria.
The Punch reported that Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, describing his return as the outcome of a regional diplomatic process involving the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.
According to her, Koroma moved to Nigeria in January 2024 following interventions by ECOWAS aimed at fostering peace, stability and political dialogue in Sierra Leone.
She explained that the diplomatic efforts helped improve relations between Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and Koroma, eventually allowing the former president to remain temporarily in Nigeria.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister added that continued engagements throughout Koroma’s stay in Nigeria helped address the issues that had led to his relocation.
She commended President Bio, Koroma and Sierra Leoneans for their cooperation, saying Nigeria remained committed to promoting regional peace, constitutional governance and democratic stability.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also expressed optimism that Koroma’s return would contribute to reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo joined the minister in accompanying Koroma to Freetown.
Earlier, former President Goodluck Jonathan announced Koroma’s return in a post on X on Sunday, saying he had seen him off as he embarked on his journey back home.
“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.
Jonathan described Nigeria as Koroma’s “home away from home” for more than two years, expressing appreciation that the country was able to offer him friendship and support during the 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,” he said.
Jonathan wished Koroma a safe journey and expressed hope that his return would help advance 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,” he said.
Koroma served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018 before relocating to Nigeria in 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences linked to a failed coup attempt in November 2023. He denied the allegations.
He was permitted to travel to Abuja for medical treatment while facing trial, with the arrangement facilitated by ECOWAS mediators amid heightened political tensions in Sierra Leone.
Although his medical trip was initially expected to last three months, Koroma remained in Nigeria for more than two years as legal and diplomatic issues surrounding his case continued.
In July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice discontinued the criminal proceedings against Koroma and dropped the treason charges, clearing the way for his return.
Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Jalloh had earlier confirmed Koroma’s planned return while speaking to local leaders and residents in Makeni, a stronghold of the former president.
“In the spirit of peace and national cohesion, the former president Dr Ernest Bai Koroma will return to the country this weekend,” Jalloh said.
The November 2023 attacks left at least 21 people dead and resulted in hundreds of prisoners escaping before security forces restored control.
Two dozen soldiers and Koroma’s former bodyguard were subsequently sentenced to between 50 and 100 years in prison by a military court for their alleged roles in the mutiny.
Koroma briefly visited Sierra Leone in July after the charges against him were dropped, attending an ECOWAS summit at the invitation of President Bio.
His permanent return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 general elections, with the government seeking to deepen national reconciliation and strengthen political stability.
