Bak was arrested in late February while attempting to cross into Uganda through the Nimule border crossing, where officials alleged at the time that he was carrying cash estimated at $30,000.
His arrest came amid a broader anti-corruption crackdown that saw several senior government officials detained over allegations of graft and abuse of office.
However, a source familiar with the matter said Bak was never the main focus of the investigations and was released after authorities found no evidence linking him to corruption.
“Hon. Dr. Bak Barnaba Chol was not wanted, nor was there any warrant of arrest issued against him,” the insider said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.
The source further defended Bak’s record while in office, arguing that the former minister did not have direct custody of state funds.
“He had not corrupt anything during his tenure in the Ministry of Finance and Planning. A minister does not keep money. Money is kept in the Central Bank and controlled by the governor,” the source said.
The insider also noted that the ministry’s financial operations involve multiple senior officials, including the deputy minister, undersecretaries, directors-general and the governor of the central bank, making it difficult for any single official to remove public funds without oversight.
According to the source, Bak was travelling to Nimule for business purposes when he was detained, and soldiers at the border allegedly did not know the reason for his journey, which was viewed as an escape from authorities in Juba.
“He was travelling to Nimule for business purpose while the soldiers did not know his mission to Nimule,” the source said.
The source added that Bak has now fully recovered from an ankle dislocation he reportedly suffered during the period of arrest and detention.
“Dr. Bak is safe, healthy, and fully recovered from ankle dislocation,” the source stated.
Rumours had circulated during his detention that some of his personal property had been confiscated, but the insider dismissed those claims, saying no assets were taken.
Dr. Bak served as finance minister twice amid severe economic challenges, including inflation, currency instability and delays in salary payments for civil servants.
