Gabriel Duop Lam, Riek Machar, Puot Kang and co-accused at court cell. Photo credit: Obaj Okuj/Eye Radio

The fourth accused in the Nasir incident trial, Lt. Gen. Gabriel Duop Lam, on Wednesday continued presenting his defense before the Special Court, denying allegations that he coordinated the March 2025 attack on the SSPDF garrison in Nasir.

The 102nd session of the trial started late after defense lawyers arrived behind schedule, citing a vehicle tyre puncture. The court granted them time to consult with their clients before proceedings resumed.

During his testimony, Lam denied allegations that he failed to alert the SSPDF command about the planned attack, insisting that the SPLA-IO was not involved in the assault on the Wei-Yar-Adiu garrison.

He told the court that both SPLA-IO and SSPDF commanders had received the same security reports, adding that the armed civilians involved in the incident were not under the command of the SPLA-IO.

Lam also rejected claims that he attempted to purchase ammunition linked to the Nasir violence, saying he declined the offer because he had no need for it.

He further denied allegations that he shared intelligence on SSPDF troop and barge movements, explaining that the communications presented in court were official exchanges conducted through the SPLA-IO radio network under the 2018 peace agreement.

The accused also defended his opposition to the transfer of SSPDF forces in Nasir, saying he was exercising his authority as a commander during an official military meeting.

Lam denied deleting WhatsApp messages from his phone and requested that the court allow forensic examination of the devices to establish the facts.

He also challenged the testimony of a protected prosecution witness who alleged that he ordered commanders to block military barges from reaching Nasir.

Lam told the court that the officer mentioned by the witness was receiving medical treatment in Ethiopia at the time.

The Special Court adjourned the hearing until 3 August 2026, when Lam is expected to continue presenting his defense.

The trial relates to the March 2025 attack on an SSPDF base in Nasir, Upper Nile State, which led to casualties and heightened tensions between government and opposition forces.