Mwitende Abdoulkarim, widely known on social media as Burikantu, was arrested by Rwanda’s Investigation Bureau (RIB) on July 20, 2025, on allegations of illegally detaining individuals in his home.
According to information gathered, Burikantu had invited a group of girls to his house to discuss potential collaboration on social media content. During the visit, a disagreement reportedly arose when he asked one of the girls to join him in a private room, a request she refused.
Following the disagreement, Burikantu allegedly prevented them from leaving the house, demanding they first reimburse him for transport fares and drinks he had provided. While some offered what little money they had, one refused, prompting him to leave and lock the others inside. The girls then called the police, who came to their rescue and arrested Burikantu on the spot.
The incident occurred in the Kinyinya Sector, Gasabo District, where Burikantu resides. He is currently being held at the RIB station in Kinyinya, and his case is under investigation in preparation to be submitted to the Prosecution Office in accordance with the law.
The offense he is accused of is punishable under Article 151 of Law No. 68/2018 of August 30, 2018, which governs criminal offenses and penalties in Rwanda. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of five to seven years.
RIB spokesperson, Dr. Thierry B. Murangira, reminded the public that no one has the right to exploit another person’s vulnerability for personal gain or coercion.
He emphasized that such actions are criminal and warned that anyone who engages in similar behavior will be arrested and brought to justice.
