JUBA – The fifth prosecution witness, Sergeant Major Ater Bol Piol, claimed that his family paid a substantial ransom for his release after he was captured by the SPLA-IO in March 2025. The amount, he stated, was 11.5 million South Sudanese pounds (around $2,000).
Ater, who was seized on 12th March 2025 in Ulang County, described his time in captivity as harrowing. He testified that during his imprisonment, he received a phone call from First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar.
According to Ater, Machar offered him a promotion to oversee captured artillery in Nasir, contingent on his cooperation. Ater, however, said he refused the offer.
Following his refusal, Ater claimed that Maj. Gen. Thiech, a senior SPLA-IO commander, subjected him to threats and verbal abuse. The general allegedly demanded a ransom of $20,000 for Ater’s release, which was later negotiated down to 11.5 million pounds.
Ater revealed in his testimony revealed that his family was forced to pay the reduced ransom to secure his freedom.
Ater was cross-examined by the defense team and questioned by the judges in the 34th session of the trial. The proceedings were adjourned by presiding judge Dr. James Alala Deng, with the next session scheduled for 5th January 2026.
This case is part of an ongoing trial involving eight SPLM/A-IO officials, including First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar, which continues to attract significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations.