South Sudan’s National Security Services detained a former state security adviser in the town of Torit last week, his family said.

Family members told Radio Tamazuj that Brigadier-General Paul Omoya Thomas was arrested by National Security agents in Palotaka Ayaci County of Torit State on 6 January.

Intelligence agency officers, the family said, did not present an arrest warrant. The family explained that the former security adviser in Torit state had been planning to go to Juba.

“Paul went to Palotaka Ayaci to attend a funeral service, so when he was preparing himself to return to Juba, a group of eight security officers came and arrested him. We don’t know why he is being detained in Torit town,” a family member said.

“Omoya should be released or should be given rights including the right to know the charges against him and the right to a trial,” he added.

Brigadier-General Paul Omoya had served as a security adviser in the state in 2016. He remains the secretary general of the SPLM party in Torit state.

Government officials in Torit State could not immediately be reached for comment.