Omwero had been detained earlier in the day following a court summons that he allegedly ignored. However, plaintiff lawyer Marko Reech criticized his release, calling it unlawful and accusing prosecutors of interfering with judicial decisions.
“Today [Saturday] in the morning, I came to check whether the defendant, who was arrested for defying the court, had asked someone to appeal before the court,” Reech told Sudans Post on Saturday.
“But I got him, he was released yesterday evening by the undertaking, by orders that came from the senior prosecutor, Honorable Latjore, according to the statement of the police,” he said.
Reech questioned the prosecutor’s authority in granting Omwero’s release, arguing that only a higher court could overturn the decision.
“I believe that the judiciary is more senior than the public prosecutor’s directorate, and the prosecutor has no authority to overturn any decision made by a court,” he said.
The court had invoked Section 155 Clause 2(a) of the South Sudan Civil Procedure Act of 2007, which allows it to detain a defendant and require security for their appearance.
The dispute between UAP Insurance and its former national staff dates back to October, when the company dismissed at least ten South Sudanese employees after they demanded better pay.
The Ministry of Labor later ordered their reinstatement, but UAP refused, prompting the National Staff Association (UNSA) to file a lawsuit.
Reech submitted key documents in early 2024, including employment contracts, wage structures, and termination records.
The court had also given UAP’s defense counsel the opportunity to respond and present evidence, but they have yet to do so.
The case is set to continue on Wednesday, February 26, when Omwero is expected to appear before the presiding judge.