The case file of Dr Benjamin Manirakiza, a lecturer at the University of Rwanda, has been formally submitted to court, as prosecutors pursue charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of underage girls.
Dr Manirakiza, who teaches at the University of Rwanda’s Nyarugenge campus, is accused of engaging in sexual acts with girls aged between 16 and 20, allegedly luring them with payments ranging from Rwf 40,000 to Rwf 100,000.
According to findings cited by UMuryango, investigators established that the suspect allegedly imposed specific conditions on the victims, including claims that they had to be virgins or have had minimal prior sexual experience.
Authorities say the suspect targeted girls enrolled in secondary schools in Bugesera District.
The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) reported that the alleged offences occurred on multiple occasions and involved abuse of trust and authority.
On January 19, 2026, RIB announced the arrest of the suspect. He is expected to appear before the Nyarugenge Primary Court for a hearing on provisional detention and possible release on bail.
Under Article 14 of Law No. 059/2023 of December 4, 2023, which amended the 2018 law governing criminal offences and penalties, any person who engages in sexual acts with a child or performs acts intended for sexual gratification commits a criminal offence.
If convicted, the offence carries a prison sentence of 20 to 25 years, while cases involving victims below the age of 14 are punishable by life imprisonment.
