Free Town, Sierra Leone – A court in Sierra Leone has permitted Ernest Bai Koroma, the former president who faces treason charges, to travel abroad for medical care. The 70-year-old Koroma was charged with four counts at the beginning of this month after it was alleged that he participated in a failed military attempt to topple the country’s government in November 2023.
On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the High Court decided in support of Koroma after his attorneys requested permission for the former leader to go overseas for medical purposes. Before postponing the hearing until March 6, 2024, the magistrate stated that the former president, who has been under house arrest, would be permitted to visit Nigeria for a maximum of three months.
According to Al Jazeera, Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s minister of information, said, “We are happy to abide by the ruling of the court because we believe in the rule of law. Koroma is leaving for medical attention, but his case remains open. At this stage, the case is still alive. It is adjourned, and the court’s instructions to the lawyers included continuing to send updates on Koroma’s health to the state and the judiciary for the duration of his absence.
According to the largest regional body in West Africa, Koroma had already agreed to Nigeria’s offer of temporary entry.
Subsequently, the government stated that the failed coup was primarily the fault of Koroma’s bodyguards. The former president was summoned for questioning on December 1, 2023, and he was charged with treason on January 3, 2024.
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