The trial of the Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma is set to resume on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, following a two-month adjournment since January.

Koroma faces a four-count charge relating to his purported involvement in the overthrow of the Sierra Leonean government 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 “a dangerous precedent.” Lead Counsel Joseph Kamara described 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. Justice S.O. Taylor has examined the bail conditions and authorized Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, currently facing charges of Treason and others, to travel abroad for medical treatment.

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.