Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has arrived in Nigeria and was received by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray who was recently in Freetown to engage the government on the proposed agreement to relocate former President Koroma to Abuja, Nigeria.
Koroma departed Sierra Leone over the weekend for Abuja, Nigeria, on a Nigerian Air Force flight from the Freetown International Airport in Lungi. Upon his arrival in Abuja, he was welcomed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and ECOWAS Commission President Omar Alieu Touray.
The former president who was charged for his alleged involvement in the 26th November, 2023 failed attempted coup was allowed to travel out of the country on a humanitarian gesture for specialised medical reasons according to President Bio.
The former president was accompanied from his home to the Water Taxi to Lungi by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Kabba, the Chief of Defense Staff, Lieutenant General Peter Lavahun, the Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, and his lead attorney, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara.
The Government of Nigeria earlier offered to host former President Koroma in Abuja as part of the agreement for his temporal relocation that was proposed by ECOWAS to President Bio.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone for granting former President Ernest Bai Koroma permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment.
ECOWAS termed it a “humanitarian gesture” that serves the greater interests of Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region.
ECOWAS reiterated its commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s government and people in fostering peace, security and deepening democracy and good governance.
The High Court of Sierra Leone authorised Koroma’s three-month medical treatment in Nigeria, with the condition that regular medical updates are provided by his sureties.
Under house arrest since December 9, Koroma faces charges, including Treason, linked to the November events when armed attackers attempted a coup, resulting in casualties and prison breaks.
Authorities regained control, arresting about 88 individuals, predominantly military personnel, connected to the clashes.
