Ex-SSRA Commissioner General Simon Akuei speaks to Eye Radio. April 9, 2025. (Photo: Lou Nelson).

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – The former Commissioner General of the South Sudan Revenue Authority (SSRA), Simon Akuei Deng, returned to Juba on Tuesday and voluntarily presented himself to the authorities.

Simon Akuei’s return follows a period of absence from the country, during which legal charges were reportedly brought against him. A family member, identifying himself only as John, told Eye Radio that the former official intends to respond to these charges and cooperate with state institutions.

According to the family source, the former Commissioner General’s absence was due to private family matters. John stated that there was no intention to evade authority and that the former official had communicated through channels before his arrival.

He stated that the return is intended to allow legal proceedings to move forward through established judicial channels. The family source requested that the matter be handled according to the law and called for an end to speculation regarding the case.

Last Saturday, February 28, Information Minister and Government Spokesperson Ateny Wek Ateny confirmed to Eye Radio the arrest of several senior officials, including former Finance Minister Dr Bak Barnaba Chol. Ateny stated that the arrests are linked to allegations of financial malpractice and irregularities within the country’s monetary system.

Other senior government officials reportedly arrested include the former central bank governor, Moses Makur Deng Manguak, who was placed under house arrest last week, according to media reports. The former Finance Minister, Dr Marial Dogrin Ater, was also arrested in Rumbek and flown to Juba, according to family sources.

Maj. Gen. Manasseh Machar Bol, a senior national secuirty officer formerly stationed at the Ministry of Petroleum, was taken into custody earlier last week. Also, the former Undersecretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, Deng Lual Wol, was reportedly detained last week on Friday after reporting to National Security for questioning.