Court Confirms Continued Detention of Djihad and Co-Defendants in Pornography Case

Kigali, January 11, 2026 - The Nyarugenge High Court has confirmed that Uzabakiriho Cyprien, known as Djihad, along with Ishimwe Patrick, Ishimwe François Xavier, and Kwizera Nestor, also known as Pappy Nesta, will remain in detention pending trial. The decision was issued during an appeal hearing held on January 5, 2026.

The court ruled that the grounds for appeal presented by Djihad were unfounded and upheld the earlier decision ordering his continued detention.

Regarding Ishimwe Patrick, also known as Pazzo Man, the court found that the reasons cited by the Kicukiro Primary Court to place him in provisional detention were justified, and therefore rejected his request for immediate release on bail.

For Ishimwe François Xavier, the judges concluded that there were serious grounds to suspect his involvement in the sale of pornographic videos. As a result, the court upheld the decision to keep him in temporary detention.

The court also dismissed the arguments raised by Kwizera Nestor (Pappy Nesta), finding them without merit.

However, Kalisa John, widely known as K. John, who is also implicated in the same case, was released on bail and will stand trial while out of custody.

The four detainees are accused of distributing explicit videos involving Yampano and his girlfriend. All had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling of the Kicukiro Primary Court, arguing that it failed to take into account certain elements presented during earlier proceedings.