Former Sierra Leonean president, Ernest Bai Koroma, was granted bail after news of his invitation by the Sierra Leone Police for questioning over the events of November 26 when armed men launched attacks on various locations in Freetown, the Sierra Leonean capital. He is reported to have stayed in police custody for two days.
He was granted bail on self recognition and with the condition that he stays in the confines of his property at Goderich with restricted number of visiting guests (3 from his family and 3 from his party). The conditions include that he cannot step out of the house without the expressed permission of the Inspector-General of police. These terms will apply until his return to the police to continue the questioning on Monday, December 11, at 11:00am.
The former president spoke about the invitation on his X (formerly Twitter) social media handle, saying; “As a follow-up to the regrettable and tragic events of November 26, which I vehemently condemn, I traveled to Freetown last evening in response to a police invitation.
“This morning, I reported to the Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation. I have returned home after the interview with the police, who were professional in their interaction.
“… I maintain an open mind, place my trust in due process and the rule of law to prevail. Profound thanks to all well-wishers for their support.”
Reacting to claims by Koroma’s supporters that the arrest was a furtive attempt at intimidating members of the opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) to which he belongs, and which lost the last presidential elections, the government said the failed coup was led mostly by the former president’s bodyguards. Koroma, however, condemned the attacks in a statement shortly after they happened.
The former president lost one of his security details and another was taken into custody by the members of the country’s army during the attacks.
So far, 71 people have been arrested in the ongoing investigations, including 45 serving military officers, seven serving police officers and 13 civilians, according to the country’s information minister, Chernor Bah.
Events continue to unfold as the country’s Court of Appeal recently ordered the Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate Koroma for abuse of office for his personal benefit, dismissing his Commission of Inquiry (COI) appeal against the investigations. The 19-page judgement concluded that he also violated the National Public Procurement laws.
Supporters of Koroma insist that the Court’s decision, coinciding with his invitation by the authorities, raises serious questions.
However, government sources insist that Koroma’s invitation is, in no way, connected with his case at the Anti-Corruption Commission and that the government is only carrying out thorough investigations to fully unravel the causes of the events of November 26.
