Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has confirmed having in custody Jean-Léonard Dukuzumuremyi, the head priest of Mbogo parish in Rushashi Sector, Gakenke District.

He was arrested last week, May 11 on a charge of defiling a 17-year-old girl, the investigative body confirmed Monday, May 18.

Marie-Michelle Umuhoza, the Spokesperson of RIB, confirmed the arrest but declined to reveal any other information saying that an investigation was still ongoing.

"We have him in custody on charges of defiling a minor but cannot tell you more than that because the case has been transferred to the prosecution."

The New Times talked to Antoine Kambanda, the Archbishop of Kigali Diocese, who said that he cannot disclose any information as long as the investigation is still ongoing.

According to area residents, Dukuzumuremyi was the founding parish priest at Mbogo parish since it was created about three years ago.

As the law provides, if the suspect gets convicted, he might get up to 20 to 25 years or life imprisonment for defilement, with a fine of three to five million francs of Rwanda.