BBC journalist Umaru Fofana has taken to Facebook and Twitter to shed light on the perplexing situation surrounding the status of Sierra Leone’s former president, Ernest Bai Koroma. Fofana, known for his investigative reporting, highlighted the confusion in a series of social media posts.

According to Fofana’s updates, Information Minister Chernor Bah stated that Koroma was released on bail following the second day of police questioning related to an alleged failed coup attempt. The minister disclosed that Koroma was effectively under house arrest with restricted access, scheduled to return for further questioning on Monday. However, conflicting statements emerged as Koroma’s legal representatives, Joseph F. Kamara and Lansana Dumbuya, denied awareness of any such house arrest.

Kamara, who accompanied the former president during his time at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters, refuted claims of house arrest. He asserted that Koroma had left on Friday with permission to return on Monday, a narrative supported by the head of the police criminal investigations department, RPG Robert.

Adding to the complexity, Fofana reported that suggestions within government circles hinted at the APC party, led by Koroma, negotiating with the police for his bail. Dismissing these claims, APC party chairman Minkailu Mansaray insisted that no such deal had been struck on Koroma’s behalf.

Despite attempts to seek clarity, the Inspector General of Police, Fayia Sellu, remained unresponsive to Fofana’s inquiries, deepening the air of uncertainty surrounding the situation.

As Sierra Leone anxiously awaits further developments, Fofana’s revelations underscore the conflicting narratives surrounding the former president’s status and the need for transparent communication from both government officials and Koroma’s legal team. The nation watches with bated breath as this intricate situation unfolds.