Why Larson Angok was detained by Police remains unknown, days after his arrest

On Wednesday, police In Wau Town Of Western Bahr El Ghazal State detained Popular Singer Larson Angok. The police is yet to issue an official statement about his arrest. Why he was arrested remains unknown.

Though the singer, recently openly criticized the government and has made a series of posts on social media about the government’s inefficiency. His song “Miith SPLM,” a song that challenged the government leadership was shared widely when he premiered it on YouTube. In the song, he criticizes the ruling party, SPLM for negligence, corruption among other vices.

In a recent publication by Eye Radio seen by NCMP, the National Security Service has refuted allegations that it arrested and detained popular musician Larson Angok Garang. NSS said Angok was instead apprehended and detained by the Criminal Investigation Department [CID] where it said Mr. Angok is a member of the police service.

In what can now be referred to as an arrest over a questionable Facebook Post and a ‘call to order’ album, Angok warrant of arrest was issued and Wau CID arrested and detained him.

Who issued the warrant of arrest is still a mystery that is yet to be unraveled. As at the time of writing, NSS only refuted the allegation, but no public statement has been issued about the arrest and the reason for arrest remains unknown. Garang Dut, the union chairperson explained on Radio Tamazuj on Thursday that the Musician was arrested for questioning. 

It is important the government and the authority respect the rule of law, as NCMP discovered, Mr. Angok happens to be a member of the Police service, therefore the authority should ensure that he is brought to court and granted access to a Lawyer. Also as broached by analysts, the police need to make an official statement and state the reason for Mr Angok arrest.

As we have learned from sources within the Police, there is a plan to transfer the case to Juba. Most South Sudanese broached that the authorities must ensure the safety of Mr. Angok and follow the legal process.

As to who ordered his arrest and why the arrest is still unknown, It is of importance that the authorities let him have access to his family.

The Police should follow the South Sudan constitution in handling the case.