Achan Agoth Akiec, a former adviser to South Sudan’s First Lady Mary Ayen Mayardit, remains in detention, her family said, contradicting reports circulating on social media that she had been released.
Achan, a Juba-based businesswoman who previously served as a senior and special adviser in the Office of the First Lady, was arrested in Juba on May 19 alongside two lawmakers representing Aweil East constituency. They were accused of forging President Salva Kiir’s signature.
The three were also accused by the National Security Service (NSS) of forgery, unlawful use of presidential authority, smuggling documents and interfering with an investigation involving 16 detainees, including former Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, who has been detained over alleged financial and related crimes.
The NSS, which filed the complaint, opened criminal case No. 1891 on May 13 through the Northern Police Division and public prosecutors before forwarding the case to parliament to seek the lifting of the two lawmakers’ immunity, according to the security agency.
Achan is from Twic County in Warrap State, while the two lawmakers, Kom Kom Geng and Ayii Akol, are from Northern Bahr el Ghazal State.
Family denial
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj over the weekend, Ayuel Bol Malek, who spoke on behalf of Achan’s family, dismissed reports that she had been released.
“She has not been released,” Malek said.
The family apologized for the confusion, explaining that the initial error occurred under high-pressure circumstances.
The family’s statement comes after reports circulated on social media claiming that Achan had been freed.
South Sudan’s security agencies have faced criticism from rights activists and international observers over prolonged detention and restrictions on civic and political freedoms.
The National Security Service Act gives the NSS broad powers to arrest and detain suspects without a warrant. South Sudanese law requires detainees to be brought before a court within 24 hours of arrest, although rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about compliance with the requirement.
Note of Correction: The first version of this story stated that Achan had been released from NSS detention. This is inaccurate. Ms. Achan remains in NSS detention.
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