From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
Former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma, has returned to Sierra Leone after spending almost three years on exile in Nigeria.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, disclosed the development on his Facebook page.
Sierra Leone Vice President Mohamed Jukdeh Jalloh, had hinted that Koroma would return at the weekend, following a July, 2026 decision by the Sierra Leonean Ministry of Justice to drop treasonable charges brought against him after the 2023 failed coup in the country.
Jonathan said: “This morning (Sunday, September 6, 2026), 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.
“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 further said that working quietly with others, they encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for Koroma’s 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 also said.
Pictures from the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, showed Jonathan, alongside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu with Koroma.
As at the time of filing this report at 3:33pm, neither the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, nor the Economic Community of West African States had issued a statement regarding Koroma’s return.
Koroma, it would be recalled, arrived Nigeria on Friday, January 19, 2024, having departed the Freetown International Airport via a Nigerian presidential jet.
His departure from the country followed the permission granted him by a Sierra Leone High Court on January 17 to travel for medical treatment for a maximum period of three months.
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