Court remands UniAbuja law student over alleged rape of undergraduate

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the remand of a 40-year-old law student of the University of Abuja, Monday Goodluck, over allegations that he raped a 100-level student of Medicine and Surgery.

Presiding judge, Justice M.S. Idris directed that the defendant be held at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the determination of a formal bail application.

The order followed the court’s rejection of an oral bail request made by defence counsel, Mr. Samson Francis. Justice Idris instructed the defence to file a written application for bail and ensure it is served on the prosecution before it can be considered.

The matter was subsequently adjourned until June 9 for further hearing.

Goodluck was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on rape and causing physical injury.

Prosecution counsel, Alexander Agbo, told the court that the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the victim at his residence at about 11 p.m. on March 25.

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According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly lured the student by claiming he could help her secure approval under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The prosecution alleged that once at his residence, he assaulted her.

Agbo further alleged that during the incident, the defendant caused physical injury and attempted to silence the victim by shoving his fingers into her mouth to prevent her from screaming.

The offences are said to be punishable under Sections 1 (1) and (2), as well as Section 2 (1), of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which criminalises rape, physical assault, and acts intended to inflict harm or fear.

With the bail application now required in writing, the court is expected to consider the request at the next adjourned date while proceedings continue in the case.