Former Finance Minister Aggrey Tisa Sabuni. (-)

The former Minister of Finance and Planning has dismissed as fake news, a media report indicating that his son has been arrested along with 26 military officers rumored to be involved in an alleged failed coup plot in Juba.

Aggrey Tisa Sabuni “strongly condemns the malicious” story that specifically appeared on Sudans Post and demanded an apology from the online news site.

Mr. Sabuni said he was surprised to receive numerous phone calls, emails and text messages from relatives and associates seeking clarifications after seeing his surname in the list of alleged detainees.

There is no official government statement confirming or denying such arrests.

“I got inundated by phone calls from within and abroad, all seeking for clarifications or my comments regarding the alleged arrest of 27 military officers for an alleged coup attempt against the government over last few days,” Sabuni said in a statement.

“And that one of the coup plotters, going by the name Col. Sunday Tisa Sabuni, of the National Security Service (NSS) is my son.  The various callers kept on referring me to the SUDANS POST news outlet, as their source of information.”

Mr. Sabuni served as Presidential Advisor on Economy in 2012, and as the Minister of Finance and Planning from July 2013 to January 2015.

The politician is currently the chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Central Equatoria State Revenue Authority.

He clarified that he neither has a son by the name Sunday Tisa Sabuni as listed in the story, nor does he have a son working for the National Security Service in the rank of Colonel.

“I strongly believe that this allegation is not only malicious, but meant to tarnish my good name, reputation and public image,” the official said.

“Interestingly, the publication stopped short of naming the other 26 alleged coup plotters, but just concentrated in highlighting my name. I am demanding for an apology and the immediate retraction of this publication by the SUDANS POST, or else I reserve my right to legal action.”

The alleged arrests come two days after Juba was thrown in panic following a brief deployment of security forces and closure of several streets on Friday night, November 10.

Both Police Spokesperson Major General Daniel Justin and SSPDF spokespersons Major General Lul Ruai urged the city residents not to panic, adding that the heavy show of force was to safeguard public security.