The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, has formally discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing an end to the State’s treason case against him.
According to a public notice issued by the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice on 14 July 2026, the decision was taken pursuant to Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024. The notice states that the Attorney-General exercised the powers vested in his office under the laws of Sierra Leone to discontinue the proceedings.
Former President Koroma had been charged with treason and misprision of treason following his arraignment before a magistrate in connection with the events of November 2023. He was subsequently granted bail on medical grounds and has since remained outside the country receiving medical treatment.
With the filing of the notice of discontinuance, the criminal proceedings have been terminated and are no longer before the court. The former President’s bail has also ceased with immediate effect.
The Attorney-General’s Office further stated that, following the discontinuance of the case, Dr. Koroma is free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any earlier time of his choosing.
The decision marks a significant development in one of Sierra Leone’s most high-profile political and legal cases in recent years. Dr. Koroma, who served as President from 2007 to 2018, had been facing charges arising from the attempted coup and security incidents of November 2023.
Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024 empowers the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice to enter a nolle prosequi a formal decision by the State not to proceed with a criminal prosecution and to discontinue criminal proceedings at any stage before judgment is delivered.
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma served as President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 and is the leader of the All People’s Congress (APC).