Nicki Minaj stayed away from the trial of her brother Jelani Maraj, who was charged with various counts of child rape.

That turned out to be the right decision. Last week, Maraj was found guilty of predatory sexual assault against a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Maraj --who was accused of treating his 11-year old former stepdaughter as an "indentured sex object" and attacking her orally and vaginally up to four times a week -- faces 25 to life when he is sentenced on December 14.

He is awaiting that sentencing in the Nassau County Jail in New York state. A few days ago his mother Carol (who did testify for him during the trial) and Nicki paid him a visit.

Nicki's peeps told TMZ she just made the trip to support her mother and revealed that she hasn't had a close relationship with her bro since he was hit with the heinous charges.