Terror suspects denied bail

The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court, yesterday, denied bail to a group of six suspected terrorists, recently arrested in Kigali on charges of threatening state security, saying that their charges are of a serious nature. The six, who were arraigned in court, last Friday, will be detained for a provisional 30 days as investigation into their plans to destabilise the country and links with terrorist groups in Eastern DR Congo, continue. 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, are suspected of having links to renegade Generals Kayumba Nyamwasa and Emmanuel Habyarimana. “The court has considered the reasons given by Prosecution that the accused are suspected of committing crimes of a serious nature which do not permit them a right to bail,” the Judge pronounced. “They will be provisionally detained for 30 days as their release would jeopardise the investigations into their case.” The Court also considered the fact that the six neither have clear addresses nor sureties to stand for them. Prosecution had earlier told court that there was evidence 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. It is alleged 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 argues that the group known as Front Nationaliste pour la Democratie et la Reconciliation au Rwanda (FRONADER)-Ingabo zuMwami, an off-shoot of RUD-Urunana and FDLR, planned to carry out acts of terror. Some of the documents presented to court included a paper with the structure of FRONADER-Ingabo zuMwami and its objectives which include overthrowing the government. Gaheza confessed to the court, on Friday, that he had received financial support from fugitives Kayumba Nyamwasa and Emmanuel Habyarimana. All the suspects, except Gaheza, had pleaded not guilty. According to police investigations, the group was planning to attack government officials, diplomats and fuel storage facilities, among others. The six will appeal the decision at the High Court. Ends