Court remands Shema Fabrice for 30 days

Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) President Shema Ngoga Fabrice has been remanded in provisional detention for 30 days while authorities investigate allegations of issuing cheques without sufficient funds and obtaining another person’s property through fraud.

Nyarugenge Primary Court delivered the ruling on Wednesday, after hearing arguments from prosecutors and Shema’s defence over whether he should remain in custody pending further proceedings.

Shema, who was arrested by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) on Aug. 11, is accused of issuing two cheques totalling $600,000 without sufficient funds, according to details presented in court. 

Prosecutors have also accused him of obtaining property belonging to another person through fraudulent means.

The allegations stem from a commercial dispute involving Africa Medical Supply, a company associated with Shema, and ABZL International General Trading LLC, a United Arab Emirates-based company.

Prosecutors told the court that Shema issued one cheque for $400,000 and another for $200,000 after an agreement between the companies was not fully settled.

They said information obtained from the bank showed the account linked to the cheques had held less than $1,000.

Shema has denied wrongdoing and has described the matter as a commercial dispute rather than a criminal offence.

His defence argued that payments had previously been made and that efforts were underway to settle the outstanding obligations.

The defence also challenged the chronology and circumstances surrounding the cheques, including their dates and payment details.

Shema told the court that one of the cheques had initially been provided without a date and that details were later added.

He asked to be released pending the continuation of the case, arguing that he was not a flight risk.

His lawyers cited his family, business interests and responsibilities in Rwanda and offered property as security for his release.

The court nevertheless ordered that he remain in provisional detention for 30 days.

The ruling concerns pre-trial detention and does not amount to a finding of guilt.

Shema remains presumed innocent unless convicted by a court.

RIB has previously stressed that the investigation is linked to Shema’s private professional activities and is not related to his role at FERWAFA.

The agency said the alleged dishonoured cheque concerned his business activities outside the football federation.

Shema was elected FERWAFA president in August 2025 after previously serving as president of AS Kigali.

He has been at the helm of Rwanda’s football governing body for just over a year.

The case comes as Rwanda prepares for the 2026/27 domestic football season, putting renewed attention on the leadership of the federation while the legal proceedings continue.

Authorities have not indicated when the substantive trial on the allegations will begin.