Why court ordered re-opening of hearing in case of businessman 'Dubai', former Gasabo district officials

The Gasabo Intermediate Court, on February 16, ruled to re-open the hearing in the case involving businessman Jean Nsabimana, commonly known as ‘Dubai’, alongside his co-defendants Stephen Rwamurangwa, Chretien Raymond Mberabahizi, Jeanne d’Arc Nyirabihogo, and Nkulikiyimfura Theopiste. The defendants face charges related to the 'Urukumbuzi' real estate, widely recognized as ‘Kwa Dubai’. The decision to resume the hearing comes following a request from the prosecution. They emphasized that throughout the proceedings, there had been no discussion or hearing regarding the defendants’ seized properties. ALSO READ: ‘Kwa Dubai’: 2017 report raised red flags about housing quality Due to this oversight, the prosecution has requested the trial to be re-opened, allowing for discussion of the seized properties before concluding the hearings. Consequently, the court ruled to resume the hearing on February 23. Usually, if properties are seized upon arrest and not discussed during the hearings, and the court concludes without deciding on them, the seized properties are immediately returned to the owner. Nsabimana is an entrepreneur associated with the estate's development, while Rwamulangwa is a former Gasabo Mayor, Mberabahizi is a former Vice Mayor, Nyirabihogo a former One-Stop Center Director, and Nkulikiyimfura an engineer. Nsabimana faces charges of forgery and fraud, while the district officials are implicated in complicity in fraud. Nkulikiyimfura faces charges of forgery. ALSO READ: Kwa Dubai estate: Residents speak out on substandard houses Previously, the prosecution sought a seven-year jail term for Dubai and three years for the former Gasabo district officials. During a hearing in December, last year, the prosecution pushed for convictions on all counts and recommended appropriate sentences and fines: Nsabimana, seven years in jail and a fine of Rwf 3 million; former Gasabo district officials, three years' imprisonment and a fine of Rwf 5 million; Nkulikiyimfura, seven years in jail and a fine of Rwf 3 million for forgery. All suspects have pleaded not guilty and requested acquittal. Nsabimana's lawyer additionally sought a suspended sentence if acquittal is not granted. Nature of the Case: In April 2023, the suspects were apprehended after concerns due to the construction of substandard housing units in Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District. In July of the same year, bail was granted to four suspects, while Nsabimana remained in custody as per the lower court's ruling. Prosecutors allege that in 2013, Nsabimana entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gasabo District to construct 300 affordable houses in Kinyinya. By 2017, 120 houses had been built and offered for sale at prices ranging from Rwf 15 million to Rwf 45 million. However, a 2015 report from the Rwanda House Authority (RHA) raised concerns about the houses’ substandard quality. Despite instructions to address identified issues within a month, no action was taken. Subsequent inspections in 2017 revealed persistent shortcomings. Buyers encountered numerous problems, including leaking roofs, cracking walls, poor plumbing, unsafe electrical installations, and inadequate sewerage systems.

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Why court ordered re-opening of hearing in case of businessman 'Dubai', former Gasabo district officials