Rwanda National Police have confirmed they have in custody the former state minister in charge of mining, Evode Imena.

According to police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Theos Badege, Imena is detained on charges on favouritism and a litany of fraudulent activities.

Imena was dropped from cabinet last year after his docket was scrapped.

Badege said that Imena is in custody since Friday after preliminary investigations led to incriminating evidence on favouritism in issuing an official document to a person who is not entitled to it.

He did not elaborate further. Imena had been appointed into cabinet in 2013.

"Mr Imena is detained since Friday and is in custody together with two other persons on charges of favouritism and fraudulent activities, more investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Badege said the alleged crimes were committed during Imena’s tenure as state minister in charge of mining.

According to article 613 of the penal code, a civil servant who issues or causes others to issue a document to a person who is not entitled to it risks between 5 and 10 years and a fine of Rwf500,000 to Rwf2,000,000.

On the other hand, any person in charge of a public or private service with general interest, who makes a decision based on favouritism, friendship, hatred or nepotism to any person who seeks a service can be imprisoned for a period of 1 to 3 years plus a fine of Rwf300, 000 and or Rwf2 million.

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