Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Sierra Leone after spending more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges against him.

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, departed Nigeria on Sunday morning for Freetown.

He was accompanied by former Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Koroma was charged with treason over his alleged involvement in a failed coup in November 2023. He subsequently relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following a reported agreement brokered by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under which he would remain in Nigeria while the charges were dropped.

In July, the Sierra Leonean government announced the discontinuation of the criminal proceedings against Koroma, with the Attorney-General’s Office confirming that the case was no longer before the court and that he was free to return home.

On Friday, Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh said Koroma would return to Sierra Leone in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, her media aide, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders had helped resolve the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.

She thanked President Julius Bio, Koroma and the Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

In a separate statement, Jonathan said the discussions had encouraged dialogue with the Sierra Leonean authorities and helped create the conditions for Koroma’s safe and dignified return.

He expressed happiness over Koroma’s return to Freetown and hoped the development would usher in renewed hope and reconciliation.