Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) have confirmed having in their custody the head priest of Rwamagana Catholic Parish, Jean-Marie Telesphore Ingabire, who is suspected of being an accomplice in an alleged robbery.

This was confirmed by Thierry Murangira, the spokesperson of RIB.

"The head priest of Rwamagana Catholic Parish is in custody, he is suspected of being an accomplice in robbery-related charges, while the investigation is still ongoing,” he said in an interview with The New Times.

Though the investigations are still ongoing to determine the amount of money involved, Murangira said that the clergyman used to hide illicit money on behalf of the alleged robbers, which emboldened them to continue with the act.

Local sources indicate that a number of people were arrested since the end of last week over extortion and robbery, including one of Ingabire's relatives who was found hiding "a large sum of money."

As investigations continued, the priest was implicated and this also prompted a search of his house, where he was found with money he could not explain.

Murangira said that as investigations continue, they will get more details.

Article 247 of the penal code stipulates that any person who conceals the whole or part of objects knowing that they have been extorted, embezzled or obtained from a misdemeanor or a felony commits an offence.

Upon conviction, he/she is liable to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year and not more than two years with a fine of not less than Rwf 100,000 and not more than Rwf300,000.

Penalties provided for under Paragraph 2 also apply to any person who, knowingly, by whatever means, obtains a profit generated by a concealed item from a felony or a misdemeanor.