Rwandan government reacts to assault allegation leveled against its investigation Bureau by writer, Onyeka Nwelue

The Rwandan government has released a statement reacting to the physical assault allegation leveled against some of its workers by award-winning writer, Onyeka Nwelue.

Onyeka in a post shared on his Facebook page, accused staff of the RwandAir of beating and locking him up after he complained about their services. Read initial story here. 

In a post shared on its official website, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau stated their own side of the story and also shared a copy of an apology letter Onyeka sent to them. Read the statement below and see a copy of Onyeka's apology letter

1. On 23 October 2018, Mr Nwelue Onyeka, a citizen of Nigeria, was detained for questioning by the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) following a complaint of public insult lodged by a Rwandan company.

2. Upon arrest, Mr Onyeka complained of a medical condition and was immediately taken to King Faisal Hospital, where he received treatment and medications at RIB expense. After being discharged, he was taken to Kicukiro RIB Station, where he was accommodated in a private room and provided with food and drink of his choice.

3. Mr Onyeka was questioned about the allegations after being informed of his rights under Rwandan law, including the right to remain silent and to have legal counsel, both of which he waived. He acknowledged the insults he had made on social media, and attributed them to “anger”. He signed a letter of apology to this effect written in his own hand (attached).

4. As a result of his admission, RIB determined that the matter did not merit criminal prosecution at this time, and Mr Onyeka departed Rwanda for Johannesburg, South Africa on 29 October 2018. However, this decision could be revisited if Mr Onyeka makes additional statements that amount to public insult under art 161 of Law Nº68/2018 of 30/08/2018 determining offences and penalties in general UNDER Rwandan Law.