Shema Fabrice reaches agreement with prosecution ahead of appeal hearing

Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president and businessman Fabrice Shema has reached an agreement with prosecutors (Plea Bargaining), prompting the postponement of a court hearing over his appeal against a 30-day remand order.

Shema was due to appear before Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Thursday, September 17, to challenge a decision by Nyarugenge Primary Court ordering him to remain in custody for 30 days while investigations continue.

His lawyer, Christophe Niyomugabo, told the court that Shema and the prosecution had signed an agreement and asked for the hearing to be postponed to allow the agreement to be formally presented to the court.

The prosecution confirmed that an agreement had been reached, although the details were not disclosed during Thursday’s proceedings.

The judge adjourned the case until September 23, when the court is expected to consider the agreement and resume the appeal hearing.

Shema was arrested on August 11 and is facing allegations including issuing bounced cheques and fraudulently obtaining another person’s property.

The case relates to a business dispute involving Africa Medical Supplier Plc, a company represented by Shema, and ABZL International General Trading LLC, a United Arab Emirates-based company.

Prosecutors told an earlier hearing that the companies entered into agreements worth about €1.9 million in January 2024.

The deal was linked to a World Bank-funded contract to supply medical equipment to the Democratic Republic of Congo, with Africa Medical Supplier expected to make payments to ABZL within 60 days.

According to prosecutors, the payments were not made as agreed, leading to a dispute between the companies.

On August 5, 2025, Shema allegedly issued two cheques worth $400,000 and $200,000 respectively.

The prosecution said the cheques were not backed by sufficient funds. It told the court that the relevant bank account held only about $1,183 during the period under investigation.

Shema has denied the allegations.

He told the court that Africa Medical Supplier had maintained a business relationship with ABZL since 2017 and had previously fulfilled its obligations under earlier agreements.

He said his company paid $400,000 in May 2024 and another $400,000 in December that year.

According to Shema, however, the second payment was not received because of a problem with the bank account provided by ABZL.

Shema also disputed the circumstances surrounding the cheques, arguing that changes were made to their intended payment details and that one of the cheques had originally been issued without a date.

His lawyers have further questioned the circumstances under which the cheques were rejected by the bank, arguing that there were inconsistencies concerning their dates and payment instructions.

Shema had appealed the September 2 decision of Nyarugenge Primary Court ordering his 30-day detention, arguing that he should be allowed to remain out of custody while the case is investigated.

The appeal will resume at Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on September 23.