By Fatima Kpaka
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has formally discontinued criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, filing a notice under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
The move, taken under the Attorney-General’s constitutional powers, ends the case in which Dr. Koroma faced charges of treason, misprision of treason, and harbouring suspects linked to the failed November 26, 2023 coup attempt. His bail, previously granted on medical grounds, has also been terminated with immediate effect.
With the discontinuance, Dr. Koroma is free to return to Sierra Leone upon completing his medical treatment abroad or at any time of his choosing.
Dr. Koroma was first arraigned before Pademba Road Court No. 2 on January 3, 2024, accused of preparing to overthrow the government between November 5 and 26, 2023, and of concealing knowledge of treasonous acts. He was also charged with harbouring several suspects allegedly involved in the attempted coup.
The prosecution was led by then Attorney-General Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, supported by eight state counsels, while former Attorney-General Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara headed an 11-member defence team representing the former president.
The Attorney-General’s decision brings to a close one of Sierra Leone’s most high-profile political trials in recent years, clearing the way for Koroma’s return and marking a significant moment in the country’s legal and political landscape.