The High Court has issued a guilty verdict for 16 former officials accused of playing a role in the loss of millions of US dollars in the name of the president.

The officials were accused of forging the signature of the president, complicity, and the use of presidential stamps, among others. They all denied the accusations.

But today, the court said the accused are guilty based on the evidence presented by the prosecutor.

However, the convicts insist they are innocent and have requested for more of their witnesses to testify in the case.

“It’s worth mentioning that the judge today rearrested some of the accused – those who were released by guarantees from the prosecution,” Agok Makur, lead defense lawyer for the accused.

They include: Garang Aguer, Chaat Paul, and Francis Yata, all of whom were holding various positions in the Office of the President. It’s unclear why they were released in the first place.

Some say their witnesses include President Salva Kiir, Minister of Finance David Deng Athorbei and the Governor of Central Bank Kornelio Koriom, among others.

These new witnesses are expected in court on the 17^th of May.