Former Chief of Police, Emmanuel Gasana has been denied bail and is remanded in jail for 30 days on charges of soliciting and accepting illegal benefits.
The Court ruling on November 15 declined to give the former Inspector General of Police bail, saying that the prosecution’s allegations are relevant, and therefore should be on remand to prevent interference with the ongoing investigation.
Gasana faces two charges – soliciting and accepting illegal benefits in exchange for favours, as well as abuse of office
Gasana has five days to appeal the lower court’s decision.
He was arrested by the country’s investigation bureau (RIB) on accusations of abuse of his authority.
Prosecutors accuse Gasana of constricting Eric Karinganire, a businessman contracted to drill water for irrigation in Nyagatare district in 2022, including his farm, works estimated to cost Rwf48 million.
The supply of an irrigation facility in Gasana’s plantation was, according to prosecutors, a bribe for him to lobby for the contractor to expand his services in different districts.
Prosecutors say the accused owns a macadamia plantation in the Katabagemu Sector in Nyagatare.
In addition, the prosecutors pointed to WhatsApp conversations between Gasana and the contractor, as well as affidavits from mayors pinning him.
The accused maintained that he received free services because his farm was close to an electric line and a water source from which water could be easily pumped to neighbours experiencing water shortages.
Gasana’s lawyer argued that the prosecution lacks evidence that Gasana solicited, accepted, or received bribes.
