Court stays remand for FERWAFA official

Nyarugenge Intermediate Court on Friday maintained the 30-day remand for the Secretary General of Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA), Olivier Mulindahabi who was arrested over a case of corruption and breach of standard tendering procedures. His case is hinged on the controversy surrounding construction of the Rwf4 billion hotel in Remera, just next to the Amahoro National Stadium. The defendant lodged an appeal against a decision to remand him which had earlier been taken by the Nyarugunga Primary Court, as investigations continue. Mulindahabi was arrested and detained last month on charges of single sourcing for a contractor to construct the 4-Star hotel belonging to the football body, whose construction is being funded by FIFA. Also in detention is the head of the contracted firm, Expert Company Ltd Adolphe Mulindwa. Speaking to The New Times shortly after the ruling, the defendant’s lawyer Pascal Gatsimbanyi said the trial in substance will be on hold pending more investigations requested by the prosecution side. “We had appealed seeking the right of our client to be tried while not in detention, because there was no criminal evidence necessitating his continued detention. However, the court today has decided otherwise and we have to wait until the trial in substance begins,” he said. Construction works for the 100-room hotel have been put on hold. “The work has been halted as we wait for the court procedure although the funder has also decided not to disburse funds until further notice, the court decision in this case is very important,” Lilian Uwimpuhwe, the FERWAFA acting secretary general told The New Times. The hotel project is under FIFA’s Goal project development programme aimed at helping developing countries to establish infrastructure and facilities to boost the growth of the game, which would equally reduce financial pressure from the ministry budget for hospitality and accommodation during sports events. Construction works for the facility located at premises formerly occupied by Rwanda National Police, adjacent to FERWAFA headquarters, started in August last year. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Court stays remand for FERWAFA official