The High Court has sentenced to life in prison, the sixteen individuals convicted of playing a role in the loss of more than 14 million US dollars from the Office of the President.

In May, the High Court issued a guilty verdict for the 16 former officials.

The High Court judge Ladu Armenio delivered the sentences this afternoon. However, the defense lawyers have vowed to appeal the ruling.

The 16 are:

1. John Agou Wuoi
2. Anyieth Chaat Paul
3. Yel Luol
4. Chaat Paul
5. Mayen Wol
6. Diing Ajieng
7. Nhumot Agot
8. Ana Kalisto
9. Kur Ayuen
10. Garang Aguer
11. Francis Yata
12. Anyang Majok Ayuen
13. Anthony Madimo
14. Anthony Dia
15. Raphini Jadada
16. Lisiuma (second name unclear)

In June last year, President Salva Kiir issued administrative orders suspending the executive director in his office, Mayen Wol and Yel Luol, chief administrator.

This came a month after national security officer attached to the Office of the President, John Agou, was arrested over the fraud.

The men were accused and suspended on charges related to forging the signature of President Kiir.

This led to the loss of over $14 million in the name of the president.

The men also allegedly used the signature to steal 30 million South Sudanese pounds, with the help of 14 officials from the Central Bank and ministry of finance

“The accused have been accused of abusing their power and misusing their positions and violated financial rules and regulations,” said Deng Achuil, senior legal counsel at the high court.