(High Court. Photo by Daily Post)
An FCT High Court has ordered that Monday Goodluck, a 40-year-old law student at the University of Abuja, be held in custody over allegations that he sexually assaulted a female first-year Medical and Surgery student.
Presiding judge Justice M.S. Idris made the remand order on Wednesday after turning down a verbal request for bail made by the defendant’s lawyer, Mr. Samson Francis.
Goodluck was subsequently sent to the Kuje Correctional Facility, where he will remain until his bail application is formally heard.
The judge instructed the defence to submit a written bail application and officially serve it on the prosecution.
The case was then adjourned to June 9 for the next hearing.
Goodluck faces two charges rape and causing physical harm brought against him by the police.
According to the prosecution counsel, Alexander Agbo, the defendant lured the victim to his home by falsely claiming he could help her access the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The alleged assault took place at his residence around 11pm on March 25.
The prosecution further alleged that Goodluck attempted to silence the victim by forcing his fingers into her mouth to stop her from screaming, an act categorized as causing physical injury and inflicting fear.
The charges are being prosecuted under the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.
Goodluck, however, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
