Nicki Minaj’s Brother Appears in Court to Face Rape Charges

While Nicki Minaj spent the day celebrating the new rock Meek Mill put on her finger, the rapper's brother was in a New York courtroom facing rape charges.

According to the NY Daily News, Jelani Maraj appeared in front of a judge in Nassau County court with his mother, Carol Maraj, and lawyer, Andrea Zellan, by his side for a preliminary hearing to set a trial schedule on Wednesday afternoon (Dec. 9). This marks his first public appearance since being accused of raping a 12-year-old.

Last week, the 37-year-old New York native was charged with first-degree rape and first-degree conduct of sexual intercourse with a child. He was released on $100,000 bond, which the MC provided. Minaj's two homes in the Baldwin, Long Island area -- one her mother lived in while the other was used by her brother -- back the bond.

“She was prepared to do anything for her brother,” a source said regarding the "Truffle Butter" rhymer putting up his bond. She is now responsible for paying the fees associated with securing the bond, which is usually 6 percent to 10 percent of the amount -- $6,000 to $10,000.

Following his arrest on Dec. 3, Maraj claimed he had health issues and was arraigned from his hospital bed. Court documents indicate he is accused of raping the victim more than once. The child's gender has been withheld as well as the location of the crime since the case involves a minor. However, a source revealed he had access to the victim.

Nicki Minaj has yet to address her brother's rape charges. Instead, she's flaunting a very big ring on the 'Gram. "Now this is what I'm talking about baby. Lol. Love u @meekmill," she wrote as the caption to an image of herself flossin'.

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