Rwandan social media personality and former university lecturer Aimable Karasira, widely known online as “Professor Nigga,” has died just hours before he was expected to leave prison.
The news shocked many people across Rwanda because Karasira had already completed his five-year prison sentence and was expected to walk free on 6 May 2026.
According to officials from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS), Karasira became seriously ill shortly after receiving his release documents at Nyarugenge Prison.
RCS Explains What Happened
RCS spokesperson Hillary Sengabo said Karasira reportedly took a large amount of medication while outside the prison buildings as he waited for family members to come and pick him up.
In a statement, Sengabo explained that prison officers quickly rushed him to a medical center for emergency treatment.
He said:
“Immediately after receiving his release papers, Aimable Uzaramba Karasira took medicine in public while waiting outside Nyarugenge Prison for his family. Prison authorities quickly took him to hospital, where he later died.”
Reports indicate that he was first treated at the prison clinic before being transferred to Nyarugenge Hospital, where he later passed away.
Read More Said about RCS https://www.rcs.gov.rw)
His Lawyer Reacts to the News
Karasira’s lawyer, Me Evode Kayitana, confirmed that he received the information about the death but said he had not yet spoken to Karasira before learning the tragic news.
The lawyer did not give many details but acknowledged that the information had reached him shortly after the incident.
The death has since created many discussions online, especially among people who had followed Karasira’s court case over the past years.
Why Karasira Was in Prison
Aimable Karasira became known on social media because of his controversial political opinions and online videos. Supporters often called him “Professor Nigga,” a nickname that became popular on YouTube and other platforms.
In September 2025, the High Court’s special chamber for international and cross-border crimes found him guilty of several charges.
The charges included:
- Denying the Genocide against the Tutsi
- Minimizing the genocide
- Spreading division among the public
- Publishing false information
He also faced accusations linked to unexplained property and money found in bank accounts and mobile money accounts.
The court sentenced him to five years in prison.
read More informations from Judiciary of Rwanda https://www.judiciary.gov.rw
A Case That Drew Public Attention
Karasira’s trial became one of the most talked-about court cases in Rwanda. During several hearings, he arrived in court wearing unusual clothing and carrying religious items such as a Bible and rosary beads.
At times, he also made symbolic hand signs often associated with entertainers and musicians, attracting even more media attention.
Throughout the case, Karasira repeatedly claimed that politics played a role in his prosecution. However, prosecutors argued that the evidence against him was strong and based on the law.
Mixed Reactions After His Death
News of Karasira’s death spread quickly across social media platforms on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Some people expressed sadness over the way his life ended just hours before regaining freedom, while others focused on the seriousness of the crimes for which he had been convicted.
As of now, authorities have not yet released additional medical details about the exact cause of death.
A Sudden End Before Freedom
For many observers, the most painful part of the story is that Karasira died only a few hours before leaving prison after completing his sentence.
His death closes a controversial chapter that had divided public opinion in Rwanda for years.
