Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has expressed gratitude to God, President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS leaders, and the Government of Nigeria following the discontinuation of criminal proceedings against him.

In a statement issued after the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice announced that the case had been discontinued in accordance with Sierra Leone’s laws, Dr. Koroma said he was grateful for the conclusion of the matter.

He thanked God for sustaining him and his family throughout what he described as a difficult period, adding that his faith remained rooted in the belief that peace, justice, and reconciliation should prevail.

Dr. Koroma acknowledged the role played by President Julius Maada Bio, the Government of Sierra Leone, and others whose efforts, guided by the Constitution and rule of law, contributed to resolving the matter.

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He also expressed appreciation to the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and former heads of state for their commitment to peace, dialogue, and regional stability.

The former President singled out Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and support throughout the process. He also thanked the Nigerian government and people, as well as National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the support, hospitality, and friendship extended to him during his stay in Abuja.

Dr. Koroma said Sierra Leone has overcome major challenges in the past by prioritising national unity, reconciliation, and collective efforts towards peace and development.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, strengthen democracy, and improve the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.

 

STATEMENT BY LEAD COUNSEL FOR FORMER PRESIDENT DR. ERNEST BAI KOROMA

Our client, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has today been formally and fully discharged of all criminal charges previously brought against him.

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has filed a Notice of Discontinuance under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, bringing an end to proceedings filed against him.

This decision serves the interests of national peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion. We welcome the Attorney-General’s exercise of his lawful authority in furtherance of these important national objectives.

President Koroma has always respected the judicial process, cooperated fully with authorities, and complied with all imposed bail conditions. With the discontinuance, his bail is now discharged, and he is free to return to Sierra Leone, at any time of his choosing.

We trust that this matter is now closed and that no further legal or extra-legal measures will be pursued against him. Our client looks forward to returning home to continue his contributions to national peace, dialogue, and development, and to spending time with his family.

We thank President Bio, the government, people of Sierra Leone, the international community, Co-Counsels and colleagues, who stood with him throughout this ordeal.

Issued by:
Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq
Lead Counsel for H.E Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma