Hakizimana Innocent, a teacher who came into the public spotlight in 2024 after announcing his intention to run for President of Rwanda, has been arrested over allegations of cyber-related offenses involving the harassment.
Hakizimana, who described himself as “Dr.” while pursuing a PhD, was arrested on July 30, 2026. He is under investigation for cyber harassment, spreading false information, and blackmail through threats of defamation.
He was serving as a teacher at Mulinga Technical Secondary School (Mulinga TSS) in Nyabihu District.
According to investigators, the alleged offenses date back to July 2025, when he reportedly used social media platforms to repeatedly harass a female teacher by posting her photographs alongside false claims suggesting they were preparing to marry. Authorities also accuse him of circulating misleading information about her.
The spokesperson for the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), Dr. Murangira B. Thierry, told IGIHE that preliminary investigations indicate this may not have been an isolated case. Authorities suspect Hakizimana of harassing at least 11 women in similar ways, including sharing their photos online accompanied by false and defamatory messages.
Records also show that on April 4, 2025, the Primary Court of Mukamira sentenced Hakizimana to one year and six months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, and imposed a fine of RWF 1 million after convicting him of damaging property.
Hakizimana is currently being held at the RIB Jenda Station while prosecutors prepare his case for submission to the prosecution service.
Legal Framework
Under Article 35 of Law No. 60/2018 on the prevention and punishment of cybercrime, cyber harassment carries a penalty of six months to two years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from RWF 1 million to RWF 2 million upon conviction.
Article 39 of the same law provides that spreading false information through information and communication technologies is punishable by three to five years in prison and a fine of between RWF 1 million and RWF 3 million.
In addition, Article 129 of Law No. 68/2018, which governs criminal offenses and penalties, stipulates that blackmail through threats of defamation is punishable by one to three years’ imprisonment and a fine ranging from RWF 100,000 to RWF 300,000, if the accused is convicted.
Hakizimana remains a suspect, and the allegations against him will be determined by the courts in accordance with Rwanda’s judicial process.
by Immo
