University of Abuja student remanded over alleged rape

The Federal Capital Territory High Court remanded 40‑year‑old University of Abuja law student Monday Goodluck on Wednesday after he was accused of raping a first‑year Medicine and Surgery student.

Justice M.S. Idris, who presided over the case, rejected an oral bail application submitted by the defendant’s counsel, Mr. Samson Francis.

Goodluck was ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Facility while the court considered his bail request. The counsel had asked for an oral bail hearing, which was denied. Instead, Justice Idris instructed him to file a written bail application and deliver it to the prosecution.

The matter was adjourned to June 9 for a further hearing.

Police had charged Goodluck with two counts related to rape and causing physical injury. Prosecution counsel Alexander Agbo alleged that the defendant sexually assaulted the victim in his own residence around 11 p.m. on March 25, after tricking her into believing he could secure approval for a Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) application.

Agbo cited Sections 1(1) and (2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015, as the basis for the rape charge. He also claimed that the defendant caused physical injury and induced fear by inserting fingers into the victim’s mouth to prevent her from screaming, an act punishable under Section 2(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2025.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.