Four suspects in Yampano sex tape case returned to court on Monday, December 29, appealing against a 30-day remand that Gasabo Primary Court handed them. The Nyarugenge Intermediate Court heard an appeal against a remand in the case involving Cyprien Uzabakiriho, popularly known as Djihad, Patrick Ishimwe known as Pazzo Man, François Xavier Ishimwe, and Nestor Kwizera who goes by the name Pappy Nesta. They are linked to the leaked explicit video involving musician Yampano and his girlfriend. ALSO READ: Yampano sex tape case: Four remanded, one granted bail The Kicukiro Primary Court on December 17 ordered the suspects to be remanded for 30 days, citing strong grounds to keep them in custody as investigations continue. Djihad's lawyers argued that he never shared Yampano's pornographic images. They claimed he posted a screenshot warning people not to share such content. Defense attorney Jean Pierre Fatikaramu argued that the screenshot doesn't prove Djihad shared it as his phone number wasn't visible, claiming that the evidence was fabricated. Lawyer Irene Bayisabe explained that, according to the case file, someone named Odette showed the images to one Eric Semuhungu, who then accused Djihad of circulating them. He noted that Djihad and Semuhungu Eric previously had conflicts, and after Djihad's arrest, Semuhungu made celebratory posts. The cyber report never confirmed Djihad shared the images. Meanwhile, Ishimwe, who didn't have a lawyer, requested that those who allegedly received images from him can testify. He requested to be granted bail, maintaining that his residence is known and he would not flee justice. Pazzo Man's lawyer Emmanuel Nsanzineza also argued his client was detained due to a mistranslation of the cyber report from English. While Pazzo Man admitted being Yampano's manager with email access, he denied sharing pornographic images. His lawyer noted that RIB seized his mobile phones and found that no images were shared. Kwizera's attorney, Theogene Turahirwa, argued that requesting images doesn't constitute a crime and that sharing them with John Kalisa alias K John wasn't criminal. He also requested a release of his client on bail, emphasizing that he has a known residence and workplace with his mother as guarantor. Prosecution's response The Prosecution maintained the Kicukiro Primary Court's decision was correct, arguing that the cyber report confirms Djihad shared screenshots of pornographic images and subsequently made posts mentioning Yampano and girlfriend's explicit video. Regarding Pazzo Man, the Prosecution noted that Yampano stated he was the only one with access to his email account, contradicting claims that others had access. The cyber report states that Pazzo Man asked Muzafaru Semitego, also known on social media as Ddumba, to delete the images because Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) was looking for him. For Nestor Kwizera, the Prosecution emphasized he distributed the images, making detention necessary. The prosecutor argued that, because these are cybercrimes, suspects could interfere with investigations if released. A ruling on the appeal is expected to be delivered on January 5, 2026.
