Kicukiro Primary Court has remanded singer Florien Uworizagwira, popularly known as Yampano, for 30 days pending trial over a series of charges, including assault and drug abuse. Uworizagwira, who was arrested on May 16, is suspected of intentional assault and battery, use of threats, damage to another person's property, attempted murder, consumption of drugs, and unlawful confinement of a person. The case stems from a complaint filed by a woman identified as Yampano's partner, with whom he was living, although they were not legally married. According to the prosecution, the singer allegedly subjected the woman to repeated harassment and physical violence and threatened to kill her if she reported him to Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). Delivering the bail ruling on June 9, the court said there were reasonable grounds linking him to three of the six offences under investigation. These include assault and battery, damage to another person's property, and consumption of drugs. The court denied him bail and ordered that he remain in custody pending trial. However, regarding the other charges including attempted murder, unlawful confinement, and use of threats, the court found that there were no compelling reasons or sufficient evidence to justify his continued detention on those specific counts. ALSO READ: Musician Yampano arraigned, faces six charges Regarding the charge of damaging property, prosecutors cited a report from local authorities indicating that Uworizagwira allegedly seized his partner's mobile phone and threw it against a wall, causing it to break. The court also heard that during investigations, Uworizagwira admitted to using drugs, although he said he had been trying to quit. Prosecutors further stated that tests conducted on him revealed a high level of intoxication. The prosecution requested that the court remand Yampano for 30 days while investigations continue, arguing that there were reasonable grounds to suspect his involvement in the offences. However, in his defence, Uworizagwira asked the court to grant him bail, saying that his time in detention had taught him important lessons. He apologised for his actions and told the court that similar incidents would not happen again. He argued that the conflict stemmed from a domestic dispute related to a leaked private video. He acknowledged that the couple had experienced disputes but said they had repeatedly reconciled. On drug use, he admitted that he had been using drugs since secondary school but said he had recently sought treatment. He told the court that he voluntarily sought assistance from Icyizere Psychotherapeutic Centre in Kicukiro in an effort to overcome addiction. Uworizagwira denied unlawfully confining his partner, although he acknowledged locking the room during arguments. He maintained that his intention was not to harm her but rather to avoid disturbing others with the noise from their disputes. His lawyer also informed the court that the complainant had written a letter expressing forgiveness and a willingness to reconcile and continue living together. The court subsequently ruled that Uworizagwira remain in custody for 30 days pending trial on the charges for which sufficient reasonable grounds been established.
