Rwanda | State seeking Rwf 25million from fake university lecturer

Prosecution has asked for a total refund of Rwf 25.150.000 from a Kenyan university lecturer who was uncovered purportedly after using fake academic documents for more than two years.

A court in Nyagatare district (east) on February 15 heard from prosecution lead by Claire M. Umwali that the suspect Peter Maweu falsely obtained payment for the level of masters. Maweu had been lecturing at the eastern province-based Umutara Polytechnic University since 2008.

In September last year, the National Public Prosecution Authority dragged Maweu to court after information surfaced showing the documents he had presented at the university upon employment were fake.

Investigations revealed that Maweu had never attended Jomo Kenyatta University in Kenya as indicated on the documents. It was also farther discovered the literature course he claimed to have attended does not exist at the university.

Maweu was found guilty but handed a lesser jail sentence of 8 months because he had admitted to the charges. Prosecution went back to court seeking damages and the hearing took place February 15 in Nyagatare.

Prosecution prayed to court that Maweu pays back all the money he earned amounting to 24.150.000. In addition, prosecution also wants the convict to pay cost of the suit of Rwf 1million. In total, the state wants the two amounts combined.

However, the defence attorney Emmanuel Bimenyimana dismissed the plea – arguing that Maweu was paid the money for academic services he offered to the university. In other words, the attorney said, it would be like asking the taught students to bring back the knowledge they acquired from the accused.

The defence asked court to throw out the case and allow the convict to serve out his term.

But prosecutor Umwali said the refund will be a measure aimed at curbing on any similar future crimes.

The court has set March 24 for the verdict.