Officers from the National Security Service (NSS) have unlawfully confiscated and sold commercial goods valued at more than $5 million despite the owners having complied with all clearance and tax requirements, according to investigations by Radio Tamazuj.
The goods, scrap copper wire, are part of a legal business activity in South Sudan. However, the trade is heavily regulated and subject to strict restrictions due to its high value, especially on exports.
Scrap copper wire is a recyclable metal used in electrical wiring, construction, electronics, and industrial manufacturing.
Court documents reviewed by Radio Tamazuj show that the High Court in Juba has summoned the NSS to respond to a civil lawsuit over the alleged unlawful seizure and subsequent sale of South Sudanese-owned commercial goods valued at $5,196,000.
The court ordered the NSS to file its response on or before Jan. 23, 2026, following a suit filed by nine South Sudanese business owners who accuse the intelligence agency and its officers of abuse of power, unlawful seizure and illegal disposal of private property.
Background of the case
The business owners purchased scrap copper wire in 2024 from Sudanese traders operating in Amiet, near the border with Sudan. The goods were transported to Juba after passing through multiple government, security and revenue checkpoints, including Abyei, Anthony, Wunrok (South Sudan Revenue Authority), Turalei, Kuajok, Wau and Rumbek, the documents show.
At each checkpoint, the traders reportedly paid all required taxes, customs duties and stamp fees, and were issued official clearance documents confirming compliance with South Sudanese laws and regulations.
Impoundment in Juba
The dispute arose when the trucks arrived in Juba, where officers from the NSS and Military Intelligence impounded the goods, claiming they were “illegal and prohibited,” despite the prior clearances issued by border and national authorities, according to the investigation. When the owners challenged the seizure, their concerns were ignored, the sources said.
The matter was later referred to Senior Presidential Advisor Gen. Kuol Manyang Juuk, who reportedly confirmed in writing that the goods were not prohibited and directed the then NSS Director General for Internal Security Bureau, Gen. Charles Chiec Mayor, to release the impounded trucks. The goods were never released.
Subsequent efforts to recover the goods, including engagement with the then Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Paul Nang Majok, were unsuccessful, the sources said. After the appointment of Gen. Dau Aturjong as the Chief of Defense Forces, the owners were informed that the goods had already been sold, allegedly by the previous security administration.
Multiple sources said the sale was carried out with the involvement of NSS officers and benefited Somali businessmen and other foreign companies, without the knowledge or consent of the owners.
Legal action
In line with Section 33(2) of South Sudan’s Civil Procedure Act of 2007, the plaintiffs served the NSS — through the Ministry of Justice — with a formal 60-day notice seeking permission to sue the government.
The notice period has since expired, allowing the case to proceed. The High Court summons, seen by Radio Tamazuj, formally compels the NSS to respond to the allegations.
The plaintiffs estimate the value of the seized and allegedly sold goods at $5,196,000. They are seeking special damages of $5,196,000 for the value of the goods, general damages of $500,000 for alleged reputational and economic harm, punitive damages for alleged willful abuse of authority and defiance of lawful government orders, and interest and full legal costs until payment in full.
All nine plaintiffs are represented by Advocate Wani Santino Jada, principal advocate at Pan African Law Chambers LLP in Juba.
The NSS could not be reached for comment on the case.