President Julius Maada Bio has addressed the issue surrounding Former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s alleged involvement in the failed coup attempt in Sierra Leone during a press briefing at the United Nations Security Council.

When asked about Koroma’s whereabouts and his potential return to Sierra Leone to face trial, President Bio confirmed that Koroma is currently in Nigeria.

He assured that all necessary legal measures would be taken to ensure that justice is served for everyone implicated in the coup plot.

“President Koroma is currently in Nigeria and all necessary steps to make sure that justice is served as far as everybody that is concerned in the alleged coup plot will be enforced.” Bio said.

Koroma who served Sierra Leone as President from 2007 to 2018 is facing 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.

On January 17, Koroma was granted permission to depart Sierra Leone to Nigeria 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. However, following the expiration of the ninety-day allowance, Koroma is yet to return.