Nyarugenge Primary Court orders Fabrice Shema release

Nyarugenge Primary Court has ordered the release of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president and businessman Shema Ngoga Fabrice after he accepted a plea-bargaining agreement reached with the prosecution in a case involving two criminal charges.

The agreement followed negotiations between Shema and the prosecution over two bounced cheques worth $600,000 and allegations of fraudulently obtaining another person’s property.

It was signed on Sept. 21 by Shema, his lawyers and prosecutor Tuyisenge Vestine, according to documents presented in the case.

The deal paved the way for the court to approve his release from provisional detention, following his acceptance of the plea-bargaining agreement reached with prosecutors.

The agreement followed negotiations between Shema and the prosecution after his arrest on Aug. 11 and a September 2 decision by Nyarugenge Primary Court to remand him for 30 days.

The ruling followed a bail hearing at which prosecutors argued there were strong grounds to suspect him of the alleged offences.

The charges stem from a commercial dispute between Africa Medical Supplier, represented by Shema, and UAE-based ABZL International General Trading LLC, represented by Jesse Harry Ndambala.

Prosecutors told the court that the companies entered into agreements in January 2024 concerning the supply of medical equipment.

Previous court reporting put the value of the agreements at about €1.9 million, with Africa Medical Supplier expected to make payments within 60 days.

According to the prosecution's account, Shema later issued two cheques drawn on an I&M Bank account—one for $400,000 and another for $200,000.

Prosecutors alleged that the account did not have sufficient funds to cover the cheques.

Shema initially denied the allegations and argued that the matter arose from a commercial dispute.

He told the court during the earlier proceedings that he was willing to settle the amount in question.

Reports also said his defence disputed the prosecution’s interpretation of the circumstances surrounding the cheques.

Under the newly signed agreement, prosecutors have undertaken to ask the court to impose a six-month suspended prison sentence over one year and a Rwf3 million fine, according to the agreement.

The prosecution also accepted that the payment dispute with ABZL had been resolved after the company received the money owed.

The agreement, however, applies specifically to the criminal proceedings and the two charges covered by it and does not prevent other parties from pursuing separate civil, commercial, employment or administrative claims.

Shema’s appeal against the 30-day detention order was adjourned on Sept. 17 after his lawyer, Christophe Niyomugabo, informed the Nyarugenge Intermediate Court that the parties had reached an agreement.