Rwandan artist Ariel Wayz is in police custody alongside fellow musician Babo, after authorities confirmed they tested positive for illegal drugs.
Rwanda National Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Boniface Rutikanga told the media that the two were arrested following an incident last week in Nyarutarama.
Initial reports of their arrest began circulating over the weekend after word spread that the two had been involved in a dispute during a party at one of the apartments in Nyarutarama.
While the type of drugs each had used has not been officially confirmed, sources suggest cannabis and cocaine.
Police emphasized that although no drugs were physically found on the two artists at the time of arrest, the fact that banned substances were detected in their blood is enough to constitute a criminal offense under Rwandan law.
Rwanda’s anti-drug laws stipulate that individuals found guilty of using narcotics can face between one and three years in prison and fines ranging from Rwf50,000 to Rwf500,000.
Offenses involving trafficking, distribution, or transformation of drugs attract tougher penalties, with prison terms of three to five years and fines up to Rwf5 million. Penalties are doubled if crimes are committed across borders.
The incident traces back to Thursday night, on the eve of Rwanda’s Kwita Izina ceremony. Ariel Wayz had reportedly been invited by a friend to a private party at a high-end Nyarutarama apartment.
Around 20 guests gathered for the event, but noise, alcohol, and loud music drew complaints from neighbors.
The apartment manager had only authorized one person to rent the place for $150, but the party grew beyond expectation. When confronted, the manager demanded that each attendee pay the same amount to resolve the situation, sparking disagreements.
Witnesses say Ariel Wayz attempted to calm the situation by offering Rwf2 million to cover costs for most of the group.
However, before the matter was settled, one attendee reportedly called the police.
Upon arrival, officers cited public disturbance and went on to test participants, leading to the discovery of drug use by the two musicians.
The arrest comes at an inconvenient time for Ariel Wayz, who had been scheduled to travel to Kenya within hours to continue discussions with Universal Music Group, an international label with which she recently signed a collaboration deal.
Babo, who holds Rwandan and German roots, had only recently returned to Rwanda from Germany.
As of publication, both artists were being held at Remera Police Station while investigations continue.
