Defendant accused of luring victim with promise to facilitate NELFUND student loan approval
By A1NEWS International
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday remanded a 40-year-old University of Abuja law student, Monday Goodluck, at the Kuje Correctional Facility over allegations of raping a 100-level Medicine and Surgery student.
The court ordered his remand after rejecting an oral bail application made by his counsel during arraignment proceedings.
Defendant Arraigned On Two-Count Charge
The defendant was arraigned before Justice M.S. Idris on a two-count charge bordering on alleged rape and causing physical injury.
According to the prosecution counsel, Alexander Agbo, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted the female student after deceiving her into believing he could assist in securing approval for her NELFUND student loan application.
Agbo told the court that the alleged incident occurred at the defendant’s residence around 11 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
The prosecution alleged that the suspect lured the victim to his house under the pretext of helping her facilitate the loan process before allegedly assaulting her.
Allegation Of Physical Assault
The prosecution further accused the defendant of inflicting physical injuries and attempting to silence the victim during the incident.
According to Agbo, the defendant allegedly shoved his fingers into the victim’s mouth in an attempt to prevent her from screaming, thereby causing physical harm and fear.
The prosecution said the 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.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Monday Goodluck, however, pleaded not guilty to all allegations preferred against him.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Samson Francis, made an oral application for bail, urging the court to admit the defendant to bail pending trial.
Justice Idris declined the oral application and directed the defence to file a formal written bail application and serve same on the prosecution.
Court Orders Remand In Kuje Prison
The trial judge subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing and determination of the bail application.
The matter was adjourned until June 9, 2026, for further proceedings.
The case has drawn attention within academic and legal circles in Abuja, particularly due to the allegations involving students of the University of Abuja and claims that the victim was deceived through promises related to the federal student loan scheme.
Legal observers say the proceedings will test the enforcement provisions of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act in addressing sexual violence and abuse cases within tertiary institutions.
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