Rwandan investigators are holding a journalist accused of receiving explosives and plotting with terrorists, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB) has said.

Phocas Ndayizera, a 39-year-old freelance journalist working for the BBC’s local language service, was reported missing over a week ago before turning up in custody.

Ndayizera now faces a maximum 20-year jail term if found guilty under Rwanda’s anti-terrorism laws.

“He was arrested red-handed as he received explosives, including dynamite,” said RIB spokesman Modeste Mbabazi when the arrest was made public on Thursday.