Nyarugenge court grants Rwigara bail

NYARUGENGE  -  City tycoon Assinapol Rwigara was granted bail yesterday sparking off unprecedented excitement at Nyarugenge District court premises.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Rwigara being hugged by his wife after he was granted bail yesterday. (Photo/G. Barya)

NYARUGENGE  -  City tycoon Assinapol Rwigara was granted bail yesterday sparking off unprecedented excitement at Nyarugenge District court premises.

Rwigara’s relatives and friends burst into jubilations, kissed and hugged immediately after presiding judge Joseph Kabaija granted the businessman bail.

Kabaija ruled that Rwigara gets bail since prosecution needs more time to gather evidence against him.

The case kicked off on Monday with prosecution requesting court to remand Rwigara for thirty days to allow them more time to conclude their investigations.

After getting bailed, an excited Rwigara told reporters that Rwanda’s justice system is very independent.

"I was arrested by Rwandan prosecution and has been released by a Rwandan judge,” Rwigara overwhelmed with joy, said.

One of his five lawyers Bosco Kazungu said: "There was transparency and we need this transparency to continue in this case.”

Rwigara is charged with homicide and evasion of justice.

He surrendered himself to Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga on August 17 ending weeks of speculation over his whereabouts.

He had escaped police arrest on July 27 when he eluded three police officers at a funeral in Kabusunzu, city suburb.

His woes started on July 12 when three workers died at his construction site near Kigali City centre in a landslide accident, which injured five others.

Rwigara’s case led to the arrest of Brig. Gen. Frank Rusagara and retired Brig. Gen. Sam Kanyemera Kaka, who were both accused of blocking police from arresting the businessman last month.

The duo was however granted bail over a week ago, and is due to re-appear before the Military Tribunal on September 6.Ends