Former President Koroma Fails to Return to Sierra Leone as Treason Trial Resumes Today

The Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma did not return to Sierra Leone as expected on the day when his trial was due to resume, fueling speculations that the trial will not continue as scheduled.

It’s been about months since the case was adjourned to Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Earlier on Monday, there were reports that the medical team of the former President is preparing to file for another adjournment citing medical reasons. However, this has not been confirmed yet.

Koroma who served Sierra Leone as President from 2007 to 2018 faces a four-count charge relating to his purported involvement in the overthrow of the Sierra Leonean government of President Julius Maada Bio on November 26, 2023. The charges include treason, misprision of treason, and harboring.

Koroma’s lawyers have since rejected the charges, describing it as a “dangerous precedent.” Lead Counsel Joseph Kamara said the charges as an act that has cast a dark shadow over the nation. He vehemently defended Koroma, stating that the allegations were part of a political vendetta, asserting that dragging a democratically elected former head of state on such charges sets a dangerous precedent.

In response to these charges, Judge Samuel O. Taylor deliberated and subsequently granted bail to Koroma under specified conditions. These conditions include limiting individuals at Dr. Koroma’s residence to a maximum of 10 people at any time, comprising his wife, children, lawyers, and political party members. Additionally, the former President is barred from leaving his residence without explicit permission from the Inspector-General of Police.

On January 17, Koroma was granted permission to depart Sierra Leone for urgent medical treatment. The decision follows a successful bail review application submitted by his legal team, seeking a ninety-day allowance for his overseas medical attention.

Subsequently, Koroma traveled to Nigeria for medical treatment. However, it remains uncertain whether his upcoming court appearance will proceed as scheduled, given his current medical absence.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2024-03-07 21:24:50

This country no start 8 twww
| 2024-03-07 01:00:54

This country our politicians are full of steel born promises that are for the katakumb,if really ebk is Free from all the charges levied against him,we have trained and qualify doctors and nurses in this country but the politicians have shown Us that medically we are not safe and security is another big challenge and the wast of it all,all government institution are very poor in functioning,if I am lying please tell or show one example of Sierra Leone government institution that is functioning in this country,the youths of Sierra Leone take note from the Action's of our politicians, election's will be coming soon, don't allow politicians to use you, just member our late sister and others, you only get benefits sometimes during or after your burial,the youths we are 80% allowing the politicians to misused the country in all areas. It's obvious that the next coming election's will be for APC because the campaign have now started by the ruling government as APC and SLPP they planned, when one going out, the ruling government will campaign for the other,if there is any way to delete them, the youths we should be in better position or we set example like Liberia. Please the youths be Wise, don't allow politicians to use you for their selfish intrest.
| 2024-03-06 14:22:55

Focus on urself they are all the same,,👌👌👌
| 2024-03-06 13:27:56

Oh sierra leone we are always suffer from the politicians, people that are not reliable at all, we are not safe in this country people always full we, which kind of medical attention that the former president is taking which can stop him to fulfill his promise to return may Almighty Allah guide and protect us from the politicians
| 2024-03-06 13:19:29

Is there any good evidence to proof that the former president of sierra Leone EBK was involved in the overthrow of the sitting government? If proved to the guilty.What is the punishment for such a person let the law enforcement officers of the nation do their part.As clearly the Bible says rebuke an elder before others so that those standing will learn from that.
| 2024-03-06 12:28:55

Funny people 😆 😁 😂
| 2024-03-06 11:20:16

Shame on Ebk bho na run e run away.... How can a whole former president goes for medical treatment to Nigeria instead of Europe countries...... If he (Ebk) knows he's innocent let him face his charges and his lawyer's ... In fact his lawyer has never won no case in Sierra Leone since he practice law...😄😄
| 2024-03-06 09:52:55

While the medical treatment where not been taken in sierra Leone than to Nigeria
| 2024-03-06 09:48:14

I think our politicians are just fooling us, there is something they are hiding from the public.is treason a bail able offence? Is EBK so special that he needs to be pampered before facing the law? May be they do not have enough evidence against him
| 2024-03-06 09:25:59

No matter what happens ebk must face his evil 😈 deeds
| 2024-03-06 09:02:48

Sierra leone is not a safety ground for we the poor people, so if I may advise let live politics for politicians and focus on our personal achievement Almighty God will decide for us
| 2024-03-06 08:51:33

Chaiiiii oh this we country we just dae act film, medical to Nigeria 🇳🇬 hmmm, am reading from afar.