By Ijoo Bosco
Eastern Equatoria State Governor Louis Lobong Lojore pardoned the chairperson of the Imotong community following his unlawful detention by CID officers upon returning from an annual cultural event in Juba.
Oringa John Geoffrey, the press secretary in the governor’s office, described the incident as surprising. He stated that community leaders informed the governor about the chairperson’s detention, prompting immediate action.
Governor Lobong convened an emergency meeting with the head of the CID, legal administration, and national security to review the procedural shortcomings surrounding the arrest of the Imotong community leader.
After careful examination, it was determined that there was no evidence or criminal activity justifying his detention.
The press secretary noted that the governor, along with legal administration members, decided to pardon and release the Imotong community leader, emphasizing that any grievances against him should follow proper legal procedures as required by law.
“It was indeed a surprise to the governor when he learned from the Imotong community that their chairperson had been detained,” he said.
“The governor convened an emergency meeting with the Director of CID and the legal administrator to discuss the circumstances of his detention,” Oringa explained.
“Mr. Taban was detained on January 13, 2025, upon his return from the annual Imotong community meeting in Juba, without a warrant or clear evidence of wrongdoing. The legal administrator assessed that his detention was clearly improper, and he must be released since there is no evidence against him.”
The press secretary said the governor urged security forces to refrain from unlawfully arresting citizens in the state and to resist any external influences that may lead to such actions.
Speaking to this publication, Imotong community chairperson Taban Obur Kerleto recounted how he was stopped at the Ibalany checkpoint and instructed by security personnel to proceed directly to the CID office.
“Upon arriving at the CID office, I was interrogated and detained immediately, spending the night in a police cell until my community intervened and met with the state governor,” Taban said.
“It was a serious situation. We had attended the Imotong annual cultural day, which concluded on Friday, and returned on Monday, January 13, 2025. At the Torit checkpoint, our vehicles were stopped. When security personnel inquired about our identities, I identified myself as the chairman. They then asked about my bag, which I did not have, and immediately instructed us to go to the CID office,” he lamented.
Taban noted that his community was understandably agitated by his detention but were convinced not to take matters into their own hands.
The following day, they approached the governor, which ultimately led to his release.
The Imotong community expressed their discontent, asserting that their leader was wrongfully arrested without clear evidence or explanation.
Mr. Obur called on security personnel to collaborate with ordinary citizens to promote peace and unity in the state.
“I still don’t understand the reasons behind my arrest. What I do know is that I was brought to the governor’s office after he called for my explanation. The governor determined that I had been arrested without a warrant or summons. He stated that I was free to go home, and if anyone wished to pursue charges against me, they would need to issue a proper summons,” Taban added.