Michael Makuei Lueth, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. [Photo: Courtesy]JUBA – South Sudan’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Michael Makuei Lueth, has defended the delayed trial of several detained former senior government officials, insisting that authorities are acting within the law despite growing public criticism over prolonged custody.
Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Monday, Makuei said the government was under mounting pressure fueled by public debate and social media commentary, particularly surrounding the arrest of Benjamin Bol Mel.
“On this case, we are facing a lot of pressure… There are a lot of writings on social media about this case,” he said. “This case is a case like other cases. There are so many South Sudanese who are in custody here in Juba. Why are people not talking about them?”
He rejected accusations of unlawful detention, arguing that suspects can legally remain in custody while investigations continue.
“There is a misinterpretation of the provisions of the constitution itself… You are free when you are not accused. But you are not free when your rights are curtailed,” Makuei said.
The minister cited Section 64 of the Criminal Procedure Act, saying that although suspects should be brought before a court within 24 hours, the law allows legal authorities to extend detention under judicial supervision.
“The law says a person arrested should be taken to court within 24 hours… but it gives power to the legal officer to detain a person for up to three days, or sometimes up to one week,” he said. “After that, the judge can extend the remand… up to three months, and beyond that with approval from the president of the Court of Appeal.”
The former Minister of Information stressed that presenting a suspect before a court does not necessarily mean an immediate trial.
“When the law says he should be taken to court, it doesn’t mean that he should be tried immediately… it means the court takes cognisance and approves the remand until investigations are complete,” he said.
Some critics have questioned the lack of transparency and delays in bringing the cases to trial. However, Makuei urged the public to remain patient and allow due process to continue.
“This is a case of individuals… we will continue to investigate,” he said. “Please abide by the law.”
The remarks come as authorities continue holding several former senior officials as part of what the government describes as an anti-corruption campaign.
Those detained include former finance minister Bak Barnaba Chol and his predecessor Marial Dongrin Ater.
Also in custody are former central bank governor Moses Makur Deng Manguak, former petroleum undersecretary Deng Lual Wol, former revenue authority chief Simon Akuei Deng, and businessman Bol Kuanyin.
Officials say the arrests are linked to alleged financial misconduct in key sectors such as oil and public finance, though full details of the cases have not been publicly disclosed.
