KIGALI, Rwanda – Prosecutors have asked a Kigali court to sentence a South Sudanese university student to three years in prison and order her to pay more than Rwf9 million in damages after she allegedly assaulted her lecturer and threatened to kill him during a dispute over academic grades.
The case was heard on July 16, 2026, at the Kicukiro Primary Court.
The proceedings had previously been postponed twice. The first delay occurred after the complainant’s lawyer requested more time to review the case file, while the second was due to the defendant’s absence from court.
Viola Eli Bibi Albert, a fourth-year student at a university in Kigali, is charged with assault and battery as well as issuing criminal threats. She is currently being held at the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) Gikondo Station.
According to information presented in court, the incident occurred on June 4, 2026, following a disagreement over the student’s examination results. The dispute involved a lecturer responsible for entering grades into the university’s academic system.
The lecturer had recently begun teaching a course that the student had previously failed and was repeating. After scoring 23 out of 60, the student allegedly requested an additional seven marks to obtain a passing grade, but the lecturer declined, saying it was not possible.
She later took another examination in the same course, taught by different lecturers, and received 0 out of 40, according to the court.
The lecturer testified that shortly after uploading the results into the university’s grading system, the student confronted him, slapped him and physically assaulted him, causing injuries.
He also told the court that the student accused him of being responsible for her academic failures and allegedly threatened to kill him. The lecturer said he was rescued by another university employee and a fellow student who was with the accused before reporting the incident to authorities.
During Thursday’s hearing, the complainant’s lawyer, Me Félix Mutangana, outlined the events and the impact the alleged assault had on his client.
Appearing before the court, Eli Bibi admitted assaulting the lecturer and apologized, saying she acted out of anger and frustration after failing her courses. However, she denied threatening to kill him.
The complainant’s lawyer argued that despite the denial, investigators had gathered evidence supporting the allegation that the student made death threats, and that the evidence had been included in the court file.
The prosecution told the court that the investigation had produced sufficient evidence to support the charges. It requested a three-year prison sentence—one year for assault and battery and two years for criminal threats—along with a Rwf500,000 fine.
The court asked whether the parties could resolve the matter through mediation, noting that the defendant had apologized.
The lecturer rejected the proposal, saying he had never received an apology before the trial and could not reconcile with someone who allegedly threatened to kill him.
He also cited a complaint the student had previously filed with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau, accusing him of unfair treatment, arguing that it demonstrated she had not acknowledged wrongdoing.
The complainant is seeking Rwf9.21 million in damages. The claim includes Rwf5 million for reputational harm, Rwf1 million for medical treatment and psychological counseling, Rwf1.2 million for a damaged mobile phone, Rwf2 million in legal fees, and additional court-related expenses.
The defense argued that the compensation sought was excessive and asked the court to reduce the amount if liability is established.
The Kicukiro Primary Court is expected to deliver its judgment on July 31, 2026.
