*Dr Goodluck Jonathan and the Ex Sierra Leone President.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has bid farewell to former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma, who is returning to Freetown after spending more than two years in Nigeria on exile amid a high-profile treason case in his home country.
Jonathan, in a statement on Sunday, described Koroma as his “dear friend and brother” and expressed gratitude that Nigeria was able to provide him with friendship, support and solidarity during his stay.
“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.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, travelled to Nigeria in January 2024 after Sierra Leonean authorities charged him with treason and other offences over his alleged involvement in a failed coup attempt in November 2023.
He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The November 26, 2023 incident involved armed attackers who stormed a military armoury, barracks, prisons and police facilities in Freetown. The government described the attack as an attempted coup. At least 21 people were killed and hundreds of prisoners escaped during the violence.
Koroma was subsequently charged with four offences, including treason, misprision of treason and two counts of harbouring. A Sierra Leone High Court granted him bail in January 2024 and permitted him to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment for an initial period of three months.
His stay in Nigeria, however, lasted more than two years as the legal proceedings remained unresolved.
His relocation to Nigeria had also been facilitated within a broader regional diplomatic effort involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which sought to ensure his safety and help reduce political tensions in Sierra Leone.
The development eventually took a decisive turn in July 2026 when Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice filed a notice discontinuing the criminal proceedings against Koroma under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
His lead counsel said the decision brought an end to the proceedings and cleared the former president to return to Sierra Leone, describing it as an important step towards “national peace, reconciliation and social cohesion.”
Jonathan said he was particularly pleased that Koroma was now returning home to Freetown, adding that he and others had worked quietly to encourage dialogue and engagement with Sierra Leonean authorities.
“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,” Jonathan said.
“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.”
Jonathan described Koroma’s return as an opportunity for renewed hope and reconciliation for the former president, his family and the people of Sierra Leone.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown,” he said.
“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 concluded: “Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home.”