Fatakumavuta Faces Request for 30-Day Preventive Detention

The Prosecution has requested the Kicukiro Primary Court to order a 30-day preventive detention for Sengabo Jean Bosco, alias Fatakumavuta, as investigations into his alleged criminal activities are ongoing.

Representing the State, the prosecutor argued that preventive detention is necessary to safeguard the ongoing inquiry and to mitigate the risk of recidivism. The prosecution cited various accusations, including defamation, harassment, drug use, discrimination, and other alleged offenses.

Evidence presented by the prosecution included complaints filed by notable individuals, including Benjamin Mugisha (alias The Ben), Alex Muyoboke, Jean Paul Habiyambere (alias Bahati), and Ngabo Medard (alias Meddy). They accuse Fatakumavuta of publishing defamatory and inflammatory content about them on his YouTube channel and X (formerly Twitter) platform, acts which the prosecution contends constitute criminal offenses.

The prosecution added that Fatakumavuta had previously been advised by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) to desist from these alleged activities but continued to produce content, even asserting that he would not respond if summoned again. Evidence supporting the alleged offenses includes video footage, seized electronic devices, and witness statements. Additionally, Fatakumavuta reportedly acknowledged producing the contested videos, reinforcing grounds for suspicion. A drug test conducted by authorities further indicated a high concentration of marijuana in his system, according to the prosecution.

### Fatakumavuta Contests Allegations and Claims Rights Violations

In his defense, Fatakumavuta denied the charges and alleged procedural mistreatment. He claimed that on October 18, 2024, the day of his arrest, he was forced to sleep on a cement floor and subjected to physical discomfort by being doused with water, constituting a violation of his rights.

He also argued that some individuals, such as Bahati, had requested his support in gaining visibility as a public commentator, contending that his comments on Meddy were drawn from the singer’s own publicly shared testimony. Regarding Alex Muyoboke, Fatakumavuta referenced a prior conflict dating back to 2017, which he said had been mediated and resolved, making the current allegations surprising.

Addressing accusations from The Ben, Fatakumavuta expressed dismay, stating that they shared a longstanding friendship and past professional collaborations. He recounted gifting The Ben a personal care product, viewing this complaint as a breach of goodwill.

### Request for Independent Forensic Review

Fatakumavuta also disputed the findings of his drug test, arguing that he was neither informed of the test’s location nor asked to consent to it. He requested an independent forensic examination to substantiate or refute the prosecution’s claims, arguing that the current findings were inadmissible due to a lack of procedural transparency.

The court will rule on the prosecution’s request for a 30-day preventive detention in the coming days.

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