The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court has adjourned an appeal by FERWAFA President Shema Ngoga Fabrice against his 30-day pretrial detention after being informed that he had entered into a plea-bargaining agreement with the prosecution.
During Thursday’s hearing, September 17, Shema’s defence counsel, Christophe Niyomugabo, told the court that the agreement had been signed by the parties involved.
The prosecution confirmed that plea-bargaining negotiations had taken place but said the agreement had not yet been formally submitted to the court for consideration. Its terms were consequently not disclosed.
The judge adjourned the appeal hearing until September 23, 2026, to allow the prosecution to file the agreement. The court will then determine how it affects Shema’s appeal against his continued pretrial detention.
Shema, a businessman and president of the Rwanda Football Federation, was arrested on August 11. He is accused of issuing two allegedly unfunded cheques worth a combined US$600,000, approximately Rwf883.5 million, and fraudulently obtaining another person’s property. He denies the charges.
The dispute reportedly arose from a commercial transaction involving Shema’s company, Africa Medical Supplier Plc, and UAE-based ABZL International General Trading LLC. Prosecutors allege that the two cheques, one worth US$400,000 and the other US$200,000, were issued following disagreements over a contract valued at more than €1 million.
Shema has argued that the case arose from a commercial dispute and that the cheques were altered without his authorisation, including through the addition of dates and payment instructions. His lawyers have also maintained that his company is willing and able to settle the outstanding amount.
On September 2, the Nyarugenge Primary Court ordered that he be held in pretrial detention for 30 days. He appealed the ruling, asking to be prosecuted while out of custody.
The plea agreement does not, by itself, amount to a final judgment. It must first be formally presented to and considered by the court.
