ECOWAS secures asylum for former Sierra Leone President Bai Koroma in Nigeria after alleged coup plot
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, is temporarily relocating former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Nigeria over allegations of masterminding a failed coup to overthrow the current government last November.
The temporary accommodation was arranged as part of an agreement to drop all charges against Mr Koroma, whom the Sierra Leone government accused of treason and four other offences in a high court, on Wednesday, January 3. He was released on bail but placed on house arrest at his residence in Freetown while the matter was adjourned till January 17.
But the government said it was willing to drop all the charges if Mr Koroma vacated the country tentatively.
“As part of the agreement reached during the mission, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has agreed to host His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone, in Abuja, on a temporary basis,” a letter by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone sent to his Nigerian counterpart on Tuesday read.
“The former president has accepted the offer to be hosted in Nigeria.”
The erstwhile embattled president is expected to arrive Nigeria on Thursday in the company of his personal assistant and office manager.
The agreement also assured that Mr Koroma will continue to enjoy his benefits as a former president upon his departure from Sierra Leone.
Military barracks and a prison were invaded on November 26, 2023, where assailants freed about 2,200 inmates and murdered no fewer than 20 persons.
Investigations were conducted, and it was discovered that the security detail of the former president was behind the attack, which the government labelled a foiled coup attempt.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Tinubu mourns veteran journalist Sidi Ali
“The late statesman was a prolific writer, publishing 19 books and numerous articles.”
States
Residents scoop fuel as tanker falls in Edo
The truck driver was said to have lost control of the vehicle while trying to ascend the hill.
NationWide
MNJTF working to eliminate Boko Haram, ISWAP in Lake Chad: Official
He urged the public not to panic by the troops’ movements but to offer support to them to eradicate the terrorists.
NationWide
Tinubu congratulates information, interior ministers on birthdays
The President said the minister has brought finesse and immense experience to his role as Nigeria’s image maker.
States
Zamfara govt. to deal with workers receiving multiple salaries
He advised them to support the present administration in its determination to sanitise the state civil service.
States
Anambra labour unions call for establishment of civil, judicial service commissions for workers’ rights
They also called for the appointment of a special adviser on labour matters in the state.