Authorities have ordered bank managers in Juba to close the accounts linked to businessman Kerbino Wol, who is accused of masterminding last week's prison riot in which inmates protested against lengthy detentions.

On 7 October, National Security Service (NSS) said the stand-off started at Blue House when one inmate, Kerbino Wol, overpowered a security guard at the detention centre’s entrance and seized his gun. Authorities had reached an agreement with the prisoners to lay down their rifles.

According to a document seen by Radio Tamazuj today, the Central Bank of South Sudan has requested all bank managers to close any bank accounts in the name of Kerbino Wol and other related financial accounts.

“Failure to abide by the directives will lead to administrative measures or fines,” Deng Aru Bol, the director general for supervision, wrote without elaborating.

Kerbino’s associate who preferred anonymity said they are challenging the order freezing bank accounts linked to Kerbino, KASS Security Company and other businesses.

“Lawyers are still talking because these are legal matters. The government wants to close down all the businesses linked to Kerbino,” he said.

Kerbino was arrested by National Security officials in April and had been detained without charge ever since.