Africa-Press – Rwanda. Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Thursday, June 13, sentenced vlogger Jean-Bosco Sengabo, popularly known as Fatakumavuta, to two years and six months in prison, along with a fine of Rwf1.3 million, after finding him guilty of blackmail, publication of rumours, and drug use.
However, the court acquitted Sengabo of two other charges – discrimination and public insult – citing a lack of malicious intent and insufficient evidence.
The court determined that Sengabo’s statements amounted to blackmail, punishable under Rwandan law by up to one year in prison and a fine of Rwf300,000.
He was also convicted of publication of rumours, particularly claims targeting musicians including The Ben and Meddy. The offense, covered under Article 39 of the Cybercrime Law, carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and a Rwf1,000,000 fine.
Regarding the drug use charge, the court relied on a toxicology report from Rwanda Forensic Institute (RFI), which showed that Sengabo had an excess amount of illegal substances in his body. Although Sengabo denied the allegation and requested a second test, the court found his request baseless, citing his failure to provide contrary evidence or discredit the expert report.
In total, the crimes for which he was found guilty would normally carry a cumulative sentence of five years in prison. However, the court acknowledged mitigating factors, including Sengabo’s partial admission of guilt, and accordingly reduced his sentence.
Acquittals and legal reasoning
Sengabo had also been charged with discrimination after describing artist Bahati’s wife as “an old and poor woman from the diaspora.” The court ruled that this did not constitute discrimination, as there was no evidence of intent to incite division or hatred.
He was also acquitted of the charge of public insult. One instance cited by the prosecution involved his comment that “The Ben crying like a child.” The court held that this remark was not offensive enough to be considered an insult under the law.
The court concluded that while Sengabo had indeed committed multiple offenses, his partial cooperation and the absence of prior convictions warranted leniency.
Sengabo has the right to appeal the ruling within 30 days.
The case was first heard on May 15 with prosecutors calling for a nine-year sentence and a fine of Rwf2 million. Sengabo then faced five charges: blackmail, spreading rumours, public insult, drug use, and discrimination. The charges stemmed from statements he made on his YouTube channel and other platforms in 2023 and 2024 targeting prominent Rwandan artists.
Prosecutors argued that Sengabo used his platform to insult and blackmail public figures, including Benjamin Mugisha (The Ben), Ngabo Medard (Meddy), and Bahati. Among the claims were accusations that The Ben failed to pay dowry and that Meddy lied about cohabiting with his partner before marriage. He was also accused of trying to extort money from The Ben so as to stop spreading further allegations.
Regarding the drug charge, prosecution relied on a report by three certified experts at RFI, which indicated the presence of 298 grams of illegal substances in his body. Sengabo contested the validity of the report, stating he was never tested and had requested a test that was never administered.
Sengabo was arrested on October 18, 2024.
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