Officials in Lakes State have confirmed the arrest of Chok Lieny Marial, a state legislator from the Other Political Parties (OPP) who represents Cueibet County, for allegedly trying to resolve an adultery case that is before the court, leading to a fight in Cueibet last week.
William Koji Kerjok, the state’s acting information minister, told Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday that the lawmaker was arrested after he mobilized members of his community to discuss an adultery case, and the meeting ended in a huge fight in which policemen and several other people were injured.
“It is a court matter and he (Lieny) lied to people that the issue has been withdrawn from the High Court and that they should come together and handle the case at the community level,” Koji explained. “During the meeting, people started fighting and many were injured, so he has to be held accountable. All the people involved have been arrested because it has become a police case, and they will be taken to court.”
“The parliamentarian will be taken to court with or without his immunity, and the judge will decide,” he added.
Minister Koji castigated the lawmaker for trying to resolve a case that is in court, yet the complainant opened a police case and wanted justice.
“I advise everybody to know the law because it helps settle matters amicably,” he counseled. “Do not interfere with legal matters even if you are a minister or a big man because you are not above the law and the law will deal with you accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Laat Kon, a civil society activist in Lakes State, said they learned that the legislator was arrested during a family meeting, which erupted into chaos.
“This is a very unfortunate situation where a person with immunity is detained like a normal person,” he stated. “MPs are supposed to be protected and respected and not to be arrested like normal citizens because they have immunity and represent the people.”
Laat urged the authorities to expeditiously investigate the case and release the MP to preserve the latter’s image.