FCT High Court remands University of Abuja law student over alleged rape of a 100-level medical student
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday remanded a 40-year-old University of Abuja law student, Monday Goodluck, in Kuje Correctional Facility over the alleged rape of a 100-level Medicine and Surgery student.
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Justice M.S. Idris ordered the remand after the defendant was arraigned by the police on a two-count charge bordering on rape and causing physical injury.
The prosecution counsel, Alexander Agbo, told the court that the alleged incident occurred at the defendant’s residence at about 11pm on March 25.
Agbo alleged that Monday Goodluck lured the student to his residence by claiming he had connections that could help her secure approval for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, popularly known as NELFUND.
According to the prosecution, the defendant sexually assaulted the victim after deceiving her with the promise of assistance.
The prosecution further alleged that the defendant inflicted physical injuries on the student and attempted to silence her by shoving his fingers into her mouth to prevent her from screaming.
Agbo said the alleged offences are punishable under Sections 1(1) and 1(2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, as well as Section 2(1) of the same law.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During proceedings, defence counsel Samson Francis made an oral application for bail on behalf of his client.
Justice Idris declined the request and directed the defence to file a formal written bail application and serve it on the prosecution.
The court subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje prison pending the determination of the bail application.
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Justice Idris adjourned the matter until June 9 for further hearing in the Abuja law student rape case.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
