By THE Police Command at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Nigeria, has arrested Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, a lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, who allegedly assaulted a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
A statement released by the FCT Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the incident occurred when Abuwatseya delivered a package to Ikwechegh’s residence, with a dispute arising over the delivery modalities.
Ikwechegh
Ikwechegh, as depicted in a viral video, allegedly slapped the driver and made derogatory comments about the Inspector General of Police.
The FCT Police Command expressed concern over Ikwechegh’s attitude, stating that he is undergoing questioning at the Maitama Police Station.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the FCT police said.
The incident took place on Sunday at Ikwechegh’s Abuja residence. The Bolt driver, Mr. Abuwatseya, had delivered a package to the lawmaker, but a dispute arose over the delivery method. Ikwechegh allegedly slapped the driver.
IGP Kayode Egbetokun
“You are a common bolt driver, you are a poor man and you have pride,” the driver quoted the Abia State lawmaker as saying.
The driver was subsequently arrested and taken to the Maitama Police Station, where he was denied the right to receive calls. Police officers at the station accused him of going to fight a “senator” in his home.
Although released, his car is still in the custody of the police.
Meanwhile, a petition had, earlier, been filed against Honourable Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a Nigerian lawmaker, alleging “grievous assault, abuse of power, attempted murder, and threat to life.” The petition was submitted by Deji Adeyanju & Partners on behalf of Mr Steven Abuwatseye, a Bolt driver, and accuses Ikwechegh of violent behaviour during an incident on 27 October 2024 in Abuja.
The videos of the assault and release of the bolt driver from the police station. Sources of videos not Stonix News’
The petition claimed that Abuwatseye was delivering food to Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, when the lawmaker ordered him to bring the food inside the premises.
“Our client politely refused the request,” the petition states, citing that Bolt drivers are instructed not to enter clients’ premises in the Federal Capital Territory. Instead, Abuwatseye suggested Ikwechegh send someone to collect the food from the gate.
According to the petition, Ikwechegh responded aggressively to the refusal. “Hon. Ikwechegh physically assaulted our client, tore his clothes, and threatened to make him ‘disappear’ from Nigeria,” the petition alleges. Abuwatseye reportedly feared for his life as Ikwechegh continued with threats, daring him to “call the Inspector General of Police,” while asserting that “nothing will happen to him.”
The petition further claims that Ikwechegh used his influence to have Abuwatseye detained. It states that the lawmaker “caused our client to be detained at the Maitama Police Station and his car seized by the Investigative Police Officer,” a measure described as an abuse of power by the solicitors.
Deji Adeyanju & Partners argued that Ikwechegh’s actions go against the responsibilities of a Federal House of Representatives member. “As a serving member… whose primary duties include making laws for the safety of Nigerians, we find Hon. Ikwechegh’s actions totally distasteful and a threat to our client’s safety,” the petition reads.
The solicitors have included a video recording as evidence of the alleged assault. The footage is intended to support Abuwatseye’s claims of the violent encounter, which reportedly left him traumatised and in fear for his life.
The petition calls on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter and ensure that justice is served. The solicitors emphasised that no citizen, regardless of position, should misuse their power or instill fear in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
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