In a statement issued this afternoon, the Office of the Former President, HE Ernest Bai Koroma, shed light on his third appearance at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with last month’s failed coup attempt.
“Sierra Leone’s former President, HE Ernest Bai Koroma, has continued to respond to the call by the police to assist in the investigation of the sad events of Sunday 26th November. He has now returned to his residence in Freetown, following his visit this morning to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigation Department,” stated the office.
While Former President Koroma is expected to report again tomorrow, he reaffirms his commitment to due process and the rule of law.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, on Saturday confirmed that the former President was granted bail on self-recognizance with specific conditions after questioning by the Sierra Leone Police.
President Koroma’s bail conditions include staying within his property at Goderich, limited visiting guests, and explicit permission required to leave his house.
However, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the lead lawyer for Koroma, clarified that the former President is not under house arrest.
Despite increased security and traffic precautions around his residence, Kamara attributes these measures to decisions made by State Security to enhance the safety and security of the former President.
It’s worth recalling that the Sierra Leone Police summoned the former President on 7th December, 2023, to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department within 24 hours for questioning regarding the failed attempted coup on November 26, 2023.
