The Nyamata Primary Court in Bugesera District has granted provisional release to Sheikh Bahame Hassan, Coordinator of the Gitagata Rehabilitation Center, who faced allegations of sexually abusing female residents under his supervision.
The court ruled on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, citing insufficient evidence to hold him in detention. Bahame appeared before the court on January 8, 2026, and has consistently denied the accusations, calling them fabricated. His lawyer argued that the alleged acts were unrelated to the center’s mandate and stressed the need to safeguard his client’s security during proceedings.
The prosecution had claimed Bahame promised financial incentives to girls at the center between May and August 2022, with threats for noncompliance, and that one girl became pregnant. However, the court found the evidence relied heavily on hearsay, with no direct witnesses, and ruled that incidents occurring after the girls left the center did not constitute abuse under his authority.
Bahame, who was arrested on December 16, 2025, has led the Gitagata Rehabilitation Center since 2021. The Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) had investigated him for alleged sexual exploitation and abuse of power. He previously served in leadership positions in Rubavu District.
The court’s decision allows him to remain free while investigations continue, underscoring the challenge of substantiating abuse allegations in institutional settings.
