- The Federal Capital Territory Police Command arrested Alex Ikwechegh over the alleged assault of a Bolt driver
- The Nigerian Police Force warned Nigerians to stop using the Inspector-General’s name or office to intimidate people
- Nigerians reacted; some claimed they didn’t trust the police to handle the matter impartially
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has taken Alex Ikwechegh, a serving member of the House of Representatives, into custody for interrogation. This arrest follows a viral video showing Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 27, at his residence in Maitama, Abuja, has since caused an outrage on social media, with many Nigerians calling for justice to prevail in the matter.
The viral video depicted Ikwechegh slapping Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver and threatening to make him disappear without consequences. He also dared the driver to report to the Inspector General of Police.
According to Channels TV, the police said the suspect is undergoing interrogation at the Maitama Police Station, and the Commissioner of Police in the FCT has mandated a thorough investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has urged Nigerians not to intimidate others by using the Inspector-General of Police's name or office.
This was contained in a statement released on NPF’s X account, @PoliceNG, on Monday, October 28.
The post said: “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.
“The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr Abuwatseya's official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP's office upholds.”
Nigerians react to Ikwechegh’s arrest
Many Nigerians urged the police to carry out their duties without bias. Some people claimed they do not trust the police, and others believe the police created an enabling environment for the high and mighty to intimidate others.
Here are some of the comments:
@OfficiaEdoOsasB posted: “We don't trust the Nigeria Police Force. The honorable will just give your top commander some few millions and the case will be swept under the carpet.”
@Nwafresh posted: “I don't understand why a lawmaker will commit a crime and have the guts to tell the man to call IGP. I really want to know the role of the IGP at the end of the case. Is it that the IGP can not do anything or is IGP going to enable Alex disappear that guy? WE'RE WATCHING.”
@nosafk posted: “Charge him to court immediately. He needs to pay for the assault. The House of Representatives needs to suspend him. Lawmaker and lawbreaker in one person.”
@Manlike_ED posted: “It’s unfortunate that a House of Rep member lacks immunity, could assault a hardworking citizen of Nigeria and have the audacity to say “tell the IGP that I did it.”
Perhaps, the police have enabled this type of lawlessness use of police as a tool to intimidate people. This shouldn’t be swept under the carpet”
@Chimacoeche posted: “We are waiting to see how this will be handled by the police.”
@iamdakejr posted: “Keep in mind the IGP was dared that he can’t do anything. We are watching.”
@remagirlfriend posted: “I really want to see how you guys will end the case because it seems like the IGP is an errand boy to the elites especially politicians.”
Former lawmaker Lawan completes prison sentence for bribery, thanks God for new beginning
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Farouk Lawan, a former House of Representatives member, was released from Kuje Custodial Centre after completing his jail sentence.
Samson Duza, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in the Federal Capital Territory, confirmed this development on Tuesday, October 22.