- Stephen Abuwatseya filed charges against Rep Alex Ikwechegh for alleged assault
- Lawyer Deji Adeyanju confirmed court appearance for the accused on October 30
- Police reaffirmed commitment to impartial investigation in the case
Charges have been filed by Stephen Abuwatseya, an Abuja Bolt driver, against Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, an Abia State representative in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, relating to an alleged assault incident.
The court appearance was confirmed by Deji Adeyanju, the lawyer representing Abuwatseya, who said, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr Stephen, a Bolt driver.”
Charges filed against Abia lawmaker for assaulting Bolt driver
The case was however adjourned to Friday, November 8 for further hearing. The magistrate said, “The court will grant the defendant a bail set at N500,000, with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.”
Recall that a widely shared video on social media featured Alex Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, in the act of assaulting the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
The Bolt driver was reportedly slapped several times by Ikwechegh, who threatened to ensure he vanished from Nigeria, adding that nothing would happen to him, regardless of any call to the Inspector-General of Police.
Nigeria police launch investigation into Abuwatseya’s assault case
Subsequently, the Nigeria Police Force has announced that it has launched an "impartial" investigation into the case involving the lawmaker and the Bolt driver.
In a statement released on Wednesday, October 30, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasised the police's dedication to deliver justice in the case.
"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,” the statement read in part.
“We will not suspend Ikwechegh despite public demand,” says House of Reps
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives said Alex Ikwechegh would not be suspended as Nigerians wanted.
Nigerians believed nothing would be done, just as Ikwechegh bragged in the video.