Government Ends Legal Case Against Koroma
Sierra Leone has officially withdrawn all criminal charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, including treason, nearly three years after authorities accused him of involvement in the failed 2023 coup attempt.
Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed that the government ended the case because of Koroma’s health. The decision also clears the way for the 72 year old former leader to return to Sierra Leone whenever he chooses.
Koroma has consistently denied any role in the attempted coup and has maintained his innocence since the investigation began.
Former President Welcomes the Decision
Following the announcement, Koroma expressed gratitude for the government’s decision. He said he believes peace, justice, and national reconciliation should always overcome conflict and division.
He also thanked Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and the West African regional organization ECOWAS for helping resolve the situation peacefully.
Exile in Nigeria After Coup Charges
Koroma has lived in Nigeria since January 2024 after an agreement allowed him to leave Sierra Leone for medical treatment.
The arrangement came after ECOWAS helped both sides reach a settlement. As part of the agreement, Koroma received permission to seek healthcare abroad while legal proceedings remained on hold.
According to the government, the Attorney General later decided to discontinue the prosecution, bringing the case to an official end.
Officials have confirmed that Koroma is now free to return home at any time and continue his normal activities without legal restrictions.
Background of the 2023 Attempted Coup
The attempted coup took place in November 2023 when armed attackers stormed a military armoury and several prisons. During the attack, nearly 2,000 inmates escaped from custody.
The violence claimed around 20 lives and created serious security concerns across the country.
Authorities later prosecuted dozens of people connected to the incident. In 2024, courts convicted 11 civilians and 24 soldiers for their roles in the failed uprising and handed them lengthy prison sentences.
Political Tensions Remain
The unrest followed Sierra Leone’s disputed 2023 presidential election. President Julius Maada Bio secured a second term in office, but the opposition All People’s Congress rejected the election results.
International election observers also raised concerns about transparency during the vote counting process. Those concerns increased political tensions in the months leading up to the attempted coup.
Although the legal case against Koroma has ended, the events surrounding the failed uprising remain an important chapter in Sierra Leone’s recent political history.
