Rwanda Court Upholds Detention of Djihad and Co-Accused

The Nyarugenge High Council has upheld the continued pretrial detention of Uzabakiriho Cyprien, popularly known as Djihad, and three co-accused linked to the distribution of explicit videos involving Rwandan artist Yampano.

The ruling was delivered on January 5, 2026, following an appeal hearing in which the defendants challenged an earlier decision by the Kicukiro Primary Court that ordered their temporary detention.

In its judgment, the High Council found that the grounds raised by Djihad lacked legal merit and confirmed that the initial court’s reasoning met the required legal threshold. The court also ruled that the arguments presented by Ishimwe Patrick, known as Pazzo Man, did not justify provisional release.

Judges further noted that there were substantial reasons to suspect Ishimwe François Xavier of involvement in the commercial distribution of pornographic material, reinforcing the legality of his continued detention. The court likewise dismissed the appeal submitted by Kwizera Nestor, also known as Pappy Nesta, citing insufficient grounds.

The four men are accused of disseminating sexually explicit videos showing Yampano and his partner. All had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the Kicukiro court’s decision, arguing that certain elements were overlooked during the initial proceedings.

Another suspect in the same case, Kalisa John, commonly known as K. John, was earlier granted provisional release and will continue to face trial while out of custody.

The case remains under judicial review as investigations continue.

Source: IGIHE