The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has said the arrest of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Dr Shema Ngoga Fabrice is linked to his private business activities and has nothing to do with his role at the football governing body.
RIB spokesperson Dr Murangira B. Thierry made the clarification on Thursday, August 13, 2026, during a press briefing at the agency’s headquarters in Kimihurura, Kigali.
Shema was arrested on August 11 and is being investigated over allegations of issuing a dishonoured cheque, RIB said.
“Shema Fabrice was arrested on August 11 and is suspected of issuing a dishonoured cheque related to his personal activities. It has nothing to do with FERWAFA,” Dr Murangira said.
He declined to provide further information, citing the ongoing investigation.
Shema, who became FERWAFA president while already holding other responsibilities, is also the managing director of Africa Medical Supplier, a company engaged in the pharmaceutical business.
He is currently detained at the RIB Kicukiro Station as investigators prepare his case for submission to the prosecution.
Under Article 126 of Law No. 060/2021 of October 14, 2021, governing negotiable instruments, a person convicted of issuing a dishonoured cheque can be sentenced to between two and five years in prison and fined between five and 10 times the value of the cheque.
The law also provides for additional sanctions by the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR), including a ban on obtaining a new cheque book or opening a new bank or financial institution account, as well as surrendering any cheque books still held by the person.
