RIB arrests Ntibishimirwa over fraudulent APR FC youth recruitment scheme

The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has arrested Ntibishimirwa Patrick for allegedly defrauding parents in Nyamiyaga Sector, Kamonyi District, of approximately 5 Million Rwandan francs.

He is accused of posing as a children’s football coach who could secure their children places in the APR Academy, a junior team associated with APR FC.

RIB spokesperson, Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, confirmed that the alleged offenses occurred in Nyamiyaga.

The case was reported to RIB on September 18, 2025, after parents claimed that Patrick had collected money with the promise of enrolling their children in INTARE FC, APR’s youth team.

Upon learning that he was under investigation, Patrick attempted to flee, but he was apprehended on November 18, 2025.

Authorities later discovered that although he was operating as a children’s coach, he did so without the required coaching license.

According to the RIB, Patrick had requested access to a local training field, which the Nyamiyaga Sector approved.

Local leaders were introduced to him as a coach who would support children and oversee the field’s upkeep and safety.

In his statement to investigators, Patrick admitted receiving money from parents but claimed that he had formal agreements with them—despite lacking proper coaching credentials.

He is currently detained at RIB Gacurabwenge Station in Kamonyi District and is being investigated for obtaining property through fraudulent means.

Sources indicate that the fraud became publicly known on September 10, 2025, when children who had been selected gathered at Ngoma Stadium in Nyamiyaga, packed and ready to travel as previously promised.

Upon arrival, they found no transportation and no sign of Patrick. The incident exposed the deception and prompted parents to report the case. (Intyoza)