Seven Tobacco Farmers Released After three Weeks Detention in Morobo County

(MOROBO COUNTY) – Authorities in Morobo County say seven local tobacco farmers have been released from police custody without charges after spending more than three weeks in detention.

The farmers were arrested in mid February 2026 after local authorities accused them of illegally growing tobacco in the area. County officials say tobacco farming has been banned in Morobo due to concerns over environmental damage.

Morobo County Commissioner Charles Data Bullen told Eye Radio on Wednesday that the seven men were released after being ordered to uproot all tobacco plants from their farms.

The commissioner said the directive is intended to protect the soil and environment. He added that the farmers have been advised to focus on growing food crops instead of the prohibited tobacco crop.

Reacting to the development on Sunday Evening, Morobo County civil society leader Mawa Manase welcomed the decision by the county authorities to release the tobacco farmers.

However, Mawa said the farmers should be allowed freedom to conduct farming activities and called for justice and trauma healing support for those affected.

“I want to appreciate the intervention and release of the farmers by the county administration. However, we are wondering whether they were tried in court before their release, because some people are arrested but not taken to court. Justice must prevail because some arrests could be based on allegations. The family members should also be informed that these farmers have been released because some of them are traumatized.”

The county government maintains that the arrests were intended to discourage harmful farming practices and promote sustainable agriculture while protecting forests, soil, and local communities.

Access Radio could not independently reach the released farmers for comment.