Prominent local footballer Merrill Nand will remain in custody after the Suva Magistrates Court adjourned his bail hearing to next Monday.

The 26-year-old appeared before Magistrate Yogesh Prasad this morning.

His lawyer, Jitendra Reddy, has filed a formal bail application seeking his release.

Police prosecution informed the court that while the bail application has been filed, they will maintain their objections due to public interest.

The prosecution requested more time to respond to the application and file an affidavit from the investigating officer.

Nand is accused of assaulting and sexually violating his former girlfriend.

He is charged with three counts of rape, one count of sexual assault and two counts of assault.

It is alleged the incidents occurred in February last year.

The matter will be called again next Monday for the bail hearing.