UBUSHINJACYAHA v SHUMBUSHO NIBATEGEJO N’ABANDI

UBUSHINJACYAHA v SHUMBUSHO NIBATEGEJO N’ABANDI

The Court of Appeal found that the convictions were supported by credible confessions and corroborating testimonies, that membership in the criminal gang sufficed for liability, and that the seriousness and brutality of the crimes justified the sentences imposed. The court held that recantations and claims of...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
RPAA00526/2023/CA
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Defendant: Shumbusho Nibategejo Emmanuel alias Maître Gasongo; Defendant: Baragahoranye Alphonse; Defendant: Bihoyiki Vincent alias Mununi; Defendant: Dusengimana Bikoco Sixbert; Defendant: Hakizimana Emmanuel alias Gatiritiri; Defendant: Iradukunda Emmanuel; Defendant: Mpatswenumugabo Marc alias Muzehe; Defendant: Ndagijimana Alexis; Defendant: Ndayisenga Ramadhan; Defendant: Nkurikiyimana Rushigajiki; Defendant: Nshimiyimana Safari; Defendant: Nyabyenda Vincent alias Secoko
Court
Court of Appeal
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
28 November 2025
Case Number
RPAA00526/2023/CA
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeals dismissed; convictions and sentences affirmed.
Legal Topics
Formation of Criminal Gangs, Joint Criminal Enterprise, Evidentiary Assessment in Criminal Trials, Appeals Procedure, Sentencing and Mitigation
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Criminal Procedure Formation of Criminal Gangs Joint Criminal Enterprise Evidentiary Assessment in Criminal Trials Appeals Procedure Sentencing and Mitigation

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Shumbusho Nibategejo Emmanuel alias Maître Gasongo

Defendant

Baragahoranye Alphonse

Defendant

Bihoyiki Vincent alias Mununi

Defendant

Dusengimana Bikoco Sixbert

Defendant

Hakizimana Emmanuel alias Gatiritiri

Defendant

Iradukunda Emmanuel

Defendant

Mpatswenumugabo Marc alias Muzehe

Defendant

Ndagijimana Alexis

Defendant

Ndayisenga Ramadhan

Defendant

Nkurikiyimana Rushigajiki

Defendant

Nshimiyimana Safari

Defendant

Nyabyenda Vincent alias Secoko

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Final Judgment

  1. 1 Whether the appellants were convicted without sufficient evidence beyond reasonable doubt
  2. 2 Whether the trial court erred by not reducing sentences for those who admitted guilt

Ratio Decidendi

The Court of Appeal found that the convictions were supported by credible confessions and corroborating testimonies, that membership in the criminal gang sufficed for liability, and that the seriousness and brutality of the crimes justified the sentences imposed. The court held that recantations and claims of coercion were unsubstantiated and did not undermine the original evidence. The court also held that it was not required to reduce sentences for those admitting guilt given the gravity of the offenses.

Court Disposition

Appeals dismissed; convictions and sentences affirmed.

Orders

  • No change to the High Court's decision; life imprisonment sentences remain for all appellants.
  • Court costs to be borne by the State.