Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, where he had been staying amid a regional diplomatic effort to ease political tensions in his home country.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on Sunday on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu.

She said his return marked the conclusion of a diplomatic and confidence-building process involving Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other stakeholders.

Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following regional mediation after he was charged with treason and other offences linked to a failed coup attempt in November 2023. He denied the allegations.

The former president had been granted permission to travel to Abuja for medical treatment while facing trial, but remained in Nigeria for more than two years as diplomatic engagements continued.

Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice dropped the treason and other criminal charges against Koroma in July 2026, clearing the way for his return.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s conduct during his stay in Nigeria demonstrated “restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” adding that sustained dialogue helped create conditions for his safe and dignified return.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also confirmed Koroma’s departure, describing Nigeria as the former Sierra Leonean leader’s “home away from home” during his more than two-year stay.

Jonathan said Nigerian and regional actors had worked quietly to encourage dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and facilitate Koroma’s return.

Koroma, who ruled Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, briefly returned to the country in July to attend an ECOWAS summit at the invitation of President Julius Maada Bio.

His return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 general elections, with authorities and regional partners pushing for greater national reconciliation and political stability.

Nigeria said it remains committed to promoting regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability in West Africa.