Parish Chief of Ariba in Abok Arrested Over Alleged Extortion in PDM Program

19 June 2026, 6:43 pm

By Eman Yonah Oruk

The Parish Chief of Ariba Parish, Mr. Odur Walter, in Abok Sub County, Oyam District, is in police custody at oyam central police station after being accused of extorting money from residents to benefit from the Parish Development Model program.

Reports indicate that he demanded 50,000 shillings from beneficiaries, 20,000 shillings for returning vouchers, and 25,000 shillings before releasing PDM funds.

The arrest followed a letter dated 17th June 2026 addressed to the Chief Administrative Officer of Oyam District. In the letter, the community of Ariba Parish lodged complaints of corruption and abuse of office against Parish Chief Mr. Odur Walter, LC2 Chairperson Mr. Geoffrey Ogeny, SAACO Chairperson Mr. Tonny Oming, and PDC Oper Alfred.

They accused the officials of turning government programs into benefits for friends and relatives, hiding information, and demanding payments before allowing access to government support.

Deputy RDC Oyam, Francis Behangana, confirmed the arrest, saying he personally ordered it and warned parish chiefs to stay away from corruption. He emphasized that “there will be no sleep for the corrupt.”

Behangana further stressed that in the restocking program, government funds are meant to support development, not to be sold. He directed that any parish chief or LC2 chairperson who received money from residents in the 74 parishes of Oyam District must return it immediately.

Area councillor for Ariba Parish, Dilish Adongo, also condemned the Parish Chief, describing him as arrogant and accusing him and LC2 Chairperson Geoffrey Ogeny of collecting between 5,000 and 100,000 shillings from residents.

She urged the people of Ariba and Abok to reject corruption and called on the CAO of Oyam District to appoint a new parish chief, noting that over 20 residents had already been extorted.

Local residents, who requested anonymity, told reporters they want immediate change in leadership to reduce extortion and restore trust in government programs.

Attempts to get a comment from the District Police Commander of Oyam were unsuccessful at press time.