Inside Nigeria
HoR Member Ikwechegh to be arraigned in Court as bolt driver files charges
Stephen Abuwatseya, an Abuja-based Bolt driver, has filed charges against Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives representing Abia State, following an alleged assault incident.
The court appearance is set to take place at Kuje Magistrate Court, with Abuwatseya’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirming the arraignment at 12 p.m. today.
Adeyanju invited the media to cover the proceedings, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against the “honourable member” accused of assaulting his client. This incident has drawn public attention, especially after a viral video surfaced on social media showing Ikwechegh physically assaulting the driver.
The Nigeria Police Force has initiated an “impartial” investigation into the allegations against Ikwechegh, who reportedly assaulted Abuwatseya after being asked to come
Ikwechegh had also threatened to make the driver disappear from Nigeria, saying nothing would happen if he did, even if the driver called on the Inspector-General of Police.
The lawmaker had also refused to pay the driver and boasted that he is a member of the House of Representatives. He broke the driver’s phone and tore his clothes for “disrespecting him”.
He had threatened to beat the driver and lock him in his generator house to make him suffer.
However, the police in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reaffirmed its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.
The statement reads in part; “In reaction to a case of assault and threat to life making the rounds in the media space by Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State against a bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, who was to deliver a package to him at a residence in Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja on the 27th October, 2024.
“The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an impartial investigation into the matter and wishes to reaffirm its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.”