AYV News, July 15, 2026
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has officially discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, effectively bringing an end to the treason case that had been instituted against him.
In a notice filed pursuant to Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, the Attorney-General exercised the statutory powers vested in the office to discontinue the prosecution.
Dr. Koroma had been charged with Treason and Misprision of Treason in relation to the failed attempted coup of November 26, 2023. He was later granted bail on medical grounds and subsequently travelled abroad to undergo medical treatment.
The Attorney-General’s notice states that, following the discontinuance of the proceedings, the matter is no longer before the court and the bail granted to the former President has ceased with immediate effect.
As a consequence, Dr. Koroma is now at liberty to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing.
The decision marks a significant development in one of the country’s most closely watched legal and political cases and comes after weeks of public speculation regarding the future of the prosecution.
The move also comes just days before Sierra Leone hosts the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government, an event expected to bring together regional leaders to deliberate on issues of peace, security, governance, and economic integration.
ECOWAS previously played a key diplomatic role in facilitating the former President’s departure from Sierra Leone for medical treatment while criminal proceedings were ongoing, as part of broader regional efforts to ease political tensions and support national dialogue.
While the Attorney-General has not publicly disclosed detailed reasons for discontinuing the case beyond the exercise of powers granted under the Criminal Procedure Act, the development has already sparkeddiscussion among legal experts, political stakeholders, and the general public regarding its implications for Sierra Leone’s justice system and political landscape.
The discontinuation of the proceedings formally closes the case before the courts unless any future legal action is initiated in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.
