The police in the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT), have arrested a 400-level Private and Property Law student of the University of Abuja, identified as Goodluck Monday, over the alleged rape of a 21-year-old 100-level student (name withheld).

A colleague of the victim told our correspondent on Sunday that she met the suspect at the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, where he allegedly introduced himself as the chairman of the school’s NELFUND committee.

The student, who said the suspect appeared to be in his 50s, noted that the victim approached him over issues relating to a friend’s NELFUND application, after which they exchanged phone numbers.

The man later arranged an appointment with the victim and asked her to choose a meeting location between Giri and Gwagwalada.

“He fixed an appointment with her and asked her to pick a location between Giri and Gwagwalada. She chose Giri because it is near her house, not knowing that it was his residence.

“Although he claims no one goes to someone’s house for NELFUND, that is not true. He told her they should meet one-on-one and even said they had a lot to discuss. She made the mistake of following him and his friend inside the house.

“She decided to leave, but he told her she couldn’t. It was around 10 p.m. She said she was really terrified. He showed her his ID, claiming he was a responsible man, and promised he would not hurt her. She wanted to leave, but he did not allow her.

“Some moments later, he came close to her and requested a massage. She refused. He offered again, but she turned him down.

“She said she raised her voice, and he became angry and started touching her body. He promised to let her go afterward but did not. He held her mouth to the ground, put his hand on her throat, and she could not breathe.

“Despite her shouting for help, nobody in the compound came out, although she heard voices. She also tried calling a church member who is the man’s coursemate, but he did not pick.

“She said the man pinned her down, took off her pants, and assaulted her. He took her phone and told her to clean up,” the student said.

The Law Students’ Association of Nigeria, University of Abuja chapter, in a memorandum dated March 28, 2026, said it had taken notice of the allegation involving a male member of the association and a female student who is not a member.

The association said it had contacted the complainant, who agreed to submit a written report to aid the investigation.

Another student told our correspondent that the suspect was arrested in the early hours of Monday by police officers from the Gwagwalada Division, adding that the arrest had eased tension on campus.

“The man was arrested early Monday by police officers from the Gwagwalada Division. I learnt he was planning to leave the area before his arrest.

“His arrest has doused the tension on campus because some people are making similar allegations against him. If you have access to any of our WhatsApp platforms, you will hear all sorts of things against him,” the student said.

In a voice note obtained by our correspondent and allegedly sent to the victim after the incident, the suspect questioned why his phone number was shared with individuals who had threatened him.

He said, “You are not a child. I am thinking of how to raise money for you to buy food because you said you don’t have anything. Without anything, I sent you money this morning.

“What did I do to you? Even last night, when you slept in my place, did I disturb you? The help I gave you has turned you against me.

“Who sent you? What did I do to you? I offered to help, and I think over the past few days, I tried my best. Now you are sending my number to people to threaten me; I don’t want to say anything.”

In another voice note to members of his campaign team, he alleged that the accusation was linked to his political ambition.

When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest of the suspect and said the investigation into the matter is ongoing. (Text, excluding headline: The PUNCH)

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