Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command have taken into custody a final-year student of Private and Property Law at the University of Abuja, Goodluck Monday, over an alleged rape involving a 21-year-old undergraduate.
The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Monday by officers attached to the Gwagwalada Division, a development said to have eased anxiety among students following outrage over the incident.
Sources within the institution told PUNCH Metro that the victim, a 100-level student, reportedly met the suspect at the office of the Dean of Student Affairs, where he allegedly claimed to head the school’s NELFUND committee.
According to a student who spoke on the matter, the victim had approached the suspect to seek clarification on a NELFUND-related issue concerning a friend, after which they exchanged phone contacts.
The source explained that the suspect later proposed a meeting and asked the victim to select a location between Giri and Gwagwalada. She reportedly chose Giri due to its closeness to her residence, unaware that it was his private apartment.
“He insisted on a private meeting, claiming there were several things to discuss. She followed him and another individual into the house without suspecting anything,” the source said.
It was gathered that the victim later attempted to leave the premises but was allegedly restrained by the suspect.
“She became uneasy and wanted to leave, but he refused. It was already late in the night, and she was scared. He tried to convince her by showing an ID card and assuring her of safety, yet he didn’t allow her to go,” the source added.
The situation reportedly deteriorated when the suspect allegedly made inappropriate advances, which the victim resisted.
“She protested when he touched her, but he became violent and overpowered her despite her cries for help,” the source disclosed.
Despite alleged noise and distress calls, no intervention reportedly came from others within the compound.
In a memorandum dated March 28, 2026, the Law Students’ Association of Nigeria, University of Abuja chapter, confirmed it had taken cognisance of the allegation, adding that the complainant had been contacted and agreed to submit a formal statement.
Another student revealed that the suspect was arrested while allegedly attempting to leave the area, noting that the arrest had helped to calm frayed nerves on campus.
“His arrest early Monday brought some relief because the situation was getting tense. There are also other allegations being mentioned by students,” the source said.
In an audio recording said to have been sent to the victim after the incident, the suspect was heard questioning why his contact details were circulated to individuals who later threatened him, while maintaining that he had rendered assistance to her.
He was also said to have suggested in a separate message to associates that the allegation might be linked to his political ambitions.
When contacted, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest and stated that investigations were ongoing.
