Rwanda FA president Shema Ngoga to remain in custody over fraud allegations

Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) president Shema Ngoga Fabrice will remain in custody after a Nyarugenge Primary Court ruled that he should be detained as he faces trial over alleged financial offences.

Shema is accused of issuing cheques without sufficient funds and obtaining property through fraudulent means. The allegations are linked to business dealings involving his company, Africa Medical Supplier.

The case centres on two cheques reportedly worth a combined US$600,000 (about Rwf883.5m), which prosecutors allege were issued from an account belonging to Africa Medical Supplier despite insufficient funds being available.

Prosecutors had asked the court to order a 30-day remand, arguing that continued detention was necessary while investigations into the allegations were ongoing. They also raised concerns about the possibility of Shema fleeing if released.

The prosecution’s case is understood to stem from a commercial agreement worth more than €1m between Africa Medical Supplier and UAE-based company ABZL International General Trading LLC.

According to prosecutors, the agreement was signed in January 2024, with Africa Medical Supplier expected to settle its financial obligations within 60 days. After the payment deadline passed without the full amount being settled, ABZL reportedly made repeated demands for payment.

Investigators say Shema subsequently issued two cheques on 5 August 2025 – one for US$400,000 and another for US$200,000.

A subsequent inquiry with the bank allegedly showed that the account contained less than US$1,000, prompting the prosecution to accuse Shema of issuing cheques without sufficient funds.

Shema has denied the allegations and argued that the dispute is commercial in nature, arising from payment arrangements between his company and its business partner.

His lawyer also opposed the request for continued detention, pointing to Shema’s position as FERWAFA president and his assets as reasons why he should be considered unlikely to abscond. Shema reportedly offered properties worth about Rwf5bn as security for his release.

The legal case has cast uncertainty over the leadership of Rwandan football less than a year after Shema was elected president of FERWAFA.

Shema was elected to a four-year term in August 2025, succeeding Alphonse Munyantwari. He had previously been involved in football administration at club level, including his time as president of AS Kigali.

His arrest was confirmed by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) in August following an investigation into the alleged issuing of a cheque without sufficient funds. RIB said the investigation was also examining other alleged offences linked to the case.

The charges against Shema relate to his business activities and do not, based on the information available, allege wrongdoing in connection with his role as FERWAFA president.

The court’s decision means Shema will remain in custody while the legal process continues. He is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty by a court.