The defense lawyers representing the case of the tragic rape and murder of five-year-old Abuk Lula Lual have firmly denied the rumours circulating about the alleged escape of Sabir Abdalla Abusam, the condemned murderer, from Wau Central Prison in Western Bahr el Ghazal State.
Over the past few days, social media platforms and public gatherings have been flooded with baseless rumours suggesting that the prisoner had managed to flee jail under unclear circumstances. These unfounded claims have understandably caused frustration among local communities across the country.
On May 3rd, 2022, Sabir Abdalla Abusam reportedly committed the heinous crime of molesting a five-year-old girl at Ayuang Residential Area in Aweil town of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. Consequently, on May 30th of the same year, the accused was sentenced to death by hanging by the Aweil High Court. Since then, the perpetrator has been held at Wau Central Prison, awaiting his execution date.
Sabir’s accomplice, Omer Mohammed Omer, who was sentenced to five years in jail for his role in concealing the crime, was acquitted by the High Court of Appeal in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal State. Furthermore, the court has also upheld the death penalty for Sabir.
Deng John, the defending lawyer for the victim, Abuk Lual Lual, vehemently refuted the news of Abdalla’s escape from Wau Central Prison during an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday. He stated that there had been no official communication from the prison authorities, the family, or the case monitors on the ground regarding these recent claims.
“The condemned prisoner is currently being held at Wau Central Prison, and we have received no official statement from the prison or the family members who are closely involved with the case to confirm the alleged escape,” said John. “If such an escape had occurred, we would have been informed officially rather than relying on social media for information,” he added.
Madut Santino Deng, another lawyer involved in the defense and based in Aweil, denied the claims of Abdalla’s escape from Wau prison. He emphasized that they are awaiting the referral of the court ruling from the high court in Juba to President Kiir for approval.
“We have not received any information of that nature, but we are currently awaiting the ruling paper from the high court in Juba,” stated Santino.