Presiding Judge James Alala (center) and his colleagues oversee the trial for Dr. Riek Machar and seven co-accused in the Nasir Incident case, Wednesday, October 1, 2025. (Photo: Eye Radio/Moses Awan)

A power outage at Freedom Hall on Monday forced the Special Court to adjourn the trial of suspended Minister of Petroleum Puot Kang Chuol, suspended Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, and other SPLM-IO officials.

The blackout occurred during the 78th session, leaving the courtroom without light. Judges used torches to read case files before halting proceedings.

The court rescheduled the next hearing for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

The adjournment interrupted the questioning of Kang. During his previous court appearance on Friday, May 15, 2026, the suspended Minister of Petroleum denied involvement in the March 2025 attack on a South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) base in Nasir.

Kang dismissed the allegations, termed them politically motivated, and challenged the credibility of prosecution witnesses.

The prosecution, through lead investigator Basilio Thomas Wani, alleges that Kang acted as a financier and liaison between individuals in Juba and White Army commanders in Nasir and Ulang counties.

Investigators state that Kang transferred $30,000 to mobilize youth across 15 payams in Nasir County, alongside $1,500 for rituals.

The prosecution also alleges that Kang coordinated cross-border money transfers, including 123,000 Kenyan shillings through M-Pesa to suspect Gatwech Liem, and 625,000 Ethiopian birr to SPLA-IO officer Hokdor Chuol.

Presiding Judge James Alala Deng had previously adjourned the Friday session to May 18 for judges to continue questioning Kang. The session will now resume on Wednesday.