(JUBA) – South Sudan’s National Security Service is under legal scrutiny following allegations that officers unlawfully seized and sold scrap copper wire valued at more than 36.89 billion South Sudanese Pounds, equivalent to about 5.2 million US Dollars, according to court documents and investigations by Radio Tamazuj.
The case centres on scrap copper wire, a high value commercial product that is legally traded in South Sudan but subject to strict controls, particularly for export. The material is widely used in electrical wiring, construction, electronics, and industrial manufacturing, making it an important commodity for local businesses.
Documents reviewed show that the High Court in Juba has summoned the National Security Service to respond to a civil lawsuit over the alleged seizure and sale of the goods. The court ordered the agency to file its response on or before January 23, 2026. The case was filed by nine South Sudanese business owners who accuse the security agency and its officers of abuse of power, unlawful seizure, and illegal disposal of private property.
According to the court filings, the business owners bought the scrap copper wire in 2024 from Sudanese traders operating in Amiet near the Sudan border. The goods were transported to Juba through several official checkpoints, including Abyei, Anthony, Wunrok under the South Sudan Revenue Authority, Turalei, Kuajok, Wau, and Rumbek.
At each checkpoint, the traders reportedly paid all required taxes, customs duties, and stamp fees. They were issued official clearance documents confirming compliance with South Sudanese laws and regulations, the documents state.
The dispute began when the trucks reached Juba. Officers from the National Security Service and Military Intelligence reportedly impounded the goods, claiming they were illegal and prohibited, despite the earlier clearances from border and national authorities. Sources say the owners challenged the seizure, but their complaints were ignored.
The matter was later referred to Senior Presidential Advisor General Kuol Manyang Juuk, who reportedly confirmed in writing that the goods were not prohibited. He directed the then Director General of the Internal Security Bureau, General Charles Chiec Mayor, to release the trucks. The goods were not released.
Further efforts to recover the goods, including engagement with the then Chief of Defence Forces General Paul Nang Majok, did not succeed. After the appointment of General Dau Aturjong as the new Chief of Defence Forces, the owners were informed that the goods had already been sold, allegedly under the previous security administration.
Multiple sources told investigators that the sale was carried out with the involvement of National Security Service officers and benefited Somali businessmen and other foreign companies, without the knowledge or consent of the South Sudanese owners.
In line with Section 33 subsection two of the Civil Procedure Act of 2007, the plaintiffs served the National Security Service through the Ministry of Justice with a formal sixty day notice seeking permission to sue the government. The notice period has since expired, allowing the case to proceed.
The plaintiffs estimate the value of the seized and allegedly sold goods at 36.89 billion South Sudanese Pounds, equal to 5,196,000 US Dollars. They are seeking special damages equal to the value of the goods, general damages of about 3.55 billion South Sudanese Pounds, equivalent to 500,000 US Dollars, for alleged reputational and economic harm, as well as punitive damages, interest, and full legal costs until payment is made.
All nine plaintiffs are represented by Advocate Wani Santino Jada of Pan African Law Chambers LLP in Juba. The National Security Service could not be reached for comment on the allegations at the time of publication.
The case has drawn attention from the business community, with analysts warning that disputes involving security agencies and private property could affect investor confidence and the wider business environment in South Sudan.
