Terror suspects appear in court

KIGALI - A group of suspected terrorists, recently arrested in Kigali, were yesterday, arraigned in court and charged with threatening state security. The six, who include Col. Norbert Ndererimana alias Sabin Gaheza, Ramathan Sibomana, Ibrahim Niyonzima, Asifat Kansime, Emmanuel Higiro, also known as Kabasha, and John Mutabaruka, appeared in the Nyarugenge Intermediate court. Prosecution told court that the six were working with fugitives and other groups in eastern DRC, with the aim of destabilising peace and security in the country and should be provisionally detained to allow investigations to continue. Prosecution also argued that Ndererimana, who pleaded guilty to all charges and begged the courts for leniency, was working with an armed group based in Binza, Rutchuru, in Virunga National Park, in eastern DRC to carry out terror activities around the country. Prosecutors stated that the group known as Front Nationaliste pour la Democratie et la Reconciliation au Rwanda (FRONADER)-Ingabo zu’Mwami, an off-shoot of RUD-Urunana and FDLR, planned to conduct acts of terror. Some of the documents presented to court included a paper with the structure of FRONADER-Ingabo zu’Mwami and its objectives which include overthrowing the government. Gaheza told court that he received financial support from fugitives Kayumba Nyamwasa and Emmanuel Habyarimana. Gaheza, Sibomana and a certain Eric Musoni are also alleged to have received financial support worth US$7, 000 from a group of business people in Kigali. During his errands, Gaheza said he was able to meet a Ugandan judge, Justice Patrick Tabaro and one Kalinaki, who are all Kayumba’s contacts. Gaheza said he got Kayumba’s contact from one Katongole, after which he talked to the fugitive on several occasions. All the suspects, except Gaheza, pleaded not guilty. According to police investigations, the group was planning to attack government officials, diplomats and fuel storage facilities, among others acts. Court will pronounce the bail verdict on Monday. Ends