South Sudan’s High Court on Monday acquitted six of the 16 people who were initially sentenced to life in prison in June 2016 for alleged forgery and corruption in President Kiir’s office.

The six acquitted people include Anyang Majok Ayuen, Garang Aguer, Anyieth Chaat Paul, Mayen Wol, Chaat Paul and Nhomuot Agoth Cithiik.

The defense lawyer Ariik Riing Ariik told Radio Tamazuj yesterday that the six people were acquitted because of “insufficient evidence” against them.

According to the court ruling issued by Deputy Chief Justice John Gatwech, the six accused were found innocent from all the charges and they must be released immediately.

The court had sentenced at least 16 former officials, including top presidential aides and four Kenyan nationals, to life imprisonment for stealing over $14 million and 30 million South Sudanese pounds.

In June 2015, President Kiir issued an administrative order suspending his aides, accusing them of corruption, forgery and abuse of powers.