Nyagatare Primary Court has set Wednesday next week to rule on whether to grant bail the former Inspector General of Police and Governor Emmaul Gasana who is accused of soliciting and accepting illegal benefits in exchange for favors and abuse of office.
According to the accused defence lawyers, there is no evidence that this was illegal, so the court set a ruling date.
Prosecutors accuse Gasana of constricting Eric Karinganire, a businessman contracted to drill water for irrigation in Nyagate 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 Katabagemu Sector in Nyagatare.
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 lawyers argued that prosecutors lack evidence that Gasana solicited, accepted, or was the recipient of bribes.
In response to both sides’ arguments, the judge adjourned the hearing and said the bail ruling would be delivered next week, on November 15.
Depending on the ruling, the former police boss will be released on bail or remanded for 30 days.
