Djihad and Co-Defendants Appeal for Provisional Release Before Nyarugenge High Court

Kigali, Rwanda - December 29, 2025 The Nyarugenge High Court on Monday heard an appeal filed by Uzabakiriho Cyprien, known as Djihad, and his co-defendants, who are seeking provisional release after being placed in pretrial detention by the Kicukiro Primary Court. The appeal follows the defendants’ dissatisfaction with a decision ordering the temporary detention of Uzabakiriho Cyprien (Djihad), Ishimwe Patrick (Pazzo Man), Ishimwe François Xavier, and Kwizera Nestor (Pappy Nesta). The four men are charged with distributing explicit videos allegedly showing Yampano engaged in sexual activity with his girlfriend. During the hearing, all defendants argued that the Kicukiro Primary Court failed to properly consider their defense arguments. Djihad told the court he was dissatisfied that his explanations were dismissed, insisting that no video had ever been shared by him. He specifically rejected the prosecution’s claim that he posted the videos on his WhatsApp status, arguing that the screenshots presented did not clearly demonstrate that the content originated from his phone number. He further suggested that the prosecution may have confused him with another individual using the same name. Djihad’s lawyer emphasized that the lower court ignored elements favorable to his client, including the possibility of release on bail, and formally requested the High Court to grant provisional freedom. Ishimwe François Xavier, who represented himself, also criticized the pretrial detention order, stating that he had demonstrated he was not responsible for distributing the videos. Similar arguments were presented by Ishimwe Patrick (Pazzo Man), who said his detention resulted from the court’s failure to adequately assess his defense. All defendants, including Kwizera Nestor (Pappy Nesta), requested to be released and prosecuted without detention, stressing that the 30-day detention ordered by the lower court was unjustified. The prosecution, present at the hearing, defended the decision of the Kicukiro Primary Court, describing it as transparent and lawful, and asked the Nyarugenge High Court to uphold the detention while investigations continue. Prosecutors added that other suspects linked to the alleged distribution of the videos have also been arrested. After hearing both sides, the presiding judge announced that the court’s ruling on the appeal will be delivered on January 5, 2026.