By Lawrence Williams
The government of President Julius Maada Bio has withdrawn all treason charges against ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, paving the way for his return to the country following a prolonged medical treatment abroad.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.
Koroma had been charged with treason and other related offences following a failed attempt to overthrow the government in November 2023. The government had alleged that some of the individuals accused of masterminding the coup had links to the former president, who has since been in Nigeria on medical treatment under leave granted by the court.
According to the attorney-general’s office, the charges were discontinued “in accordance with Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.”
“The decision was taken in the exercise of the powers conferred on the Attorney-General by the laws of Sierra Leone,” the statement reads.
Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act empowers the Attorney-General to enter a nolle prosequi—a legal procedure that allows the state to discontinue criminal proceedings against an accused person. Once entered, the accused is immediately discharged from the charges before the court.
However, the discontinuation does not amount to an acquittal and nor does it prevent the state from reopening the case or filing charges in the future if it decides to do so, according to legal experts.
Koroma’s lead counsel, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, has welcomed the government’s decision, saying it furthers the interests of “national peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion.”
He hopes that no future actions will be taken against his client.
“We trust that this matter is now closed and that no further legal or extra-legal measures will be pursued against him,” lawyer Kamara said.
In a public statement, Koroma welcomed the government’s decision to discontinue the case and pledged to continue promoting peace, democracy and national unity in Sierra Leone.
“I remain committed to every sincere effort that advances peace, strengthens our democracy and promotes the welfare of our people,” Koroma said.
He adds: “Our country has overcome far greater trials because we have always found the wisdom to place nation above self, to build bridges of understanding, strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together in pursuit of a stable and prosperous Sierra Leone for present and future generations.”
He also thanked Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray, describing them as friends who played a pivotal role in bringing the matter to a close.
The attorney-general’s office reiterated that the discontinuance of the case effectively removes all legal restrictions against the former president.
“Former President Koroma is therefore free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing,” the statement concluded.
