Social media influencer and popular Nigerian blogger, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has taken bold action against Abia State lawmaker, Alex Ikwechegh, after an incident that left a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, allegedly assaulted and detained.
The shocking incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked outrage online and added to the rising calls for accountability among Nigeria’s lawmakers. The petition, filed on behalf of VeryDarkMan by his lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, accuses Ikwechegh of serious offenses, including abuse of power, assault, attempted murder, and issuing threats to the driver’s life.
The video, which has spread rapidly on social media, shows what appears to be the lawmaker verbally and physically attacking the Bolt driver. The footage has drawn reactions from Nigerians across the country, with many demanding justice for the driver and calling for stricter oversight on the conduct of elected officials.
When contacted by VeryDarkMan, the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, shared his terrifying experience. He revealed how his day took a dark turn when he encountered the lawmaker during what should have been a regular ride.
According to Abuwatseya, Ikwechegh not only assaulted him but also used his political influence to involve the police. “After the video, he called some police officers. I don’t know which division they are assigned to, but they bundled me to the station,” Abuwatseya recounted.
The driver further claimed that he was denied access to his phone, preventing him from making any calls to notify others of his situation. “They didn’t allow me to take my calls,” he stated, a statement that adds to the unsettling details surrounding the alleged abuse.
Abuwatseya explained that after being taken to the station, he was led into the Investigating Police Officer’s (IPO) office. At this point, he says he saw the IPO speaking with Ikwechegh outside the office, in what he described as an “intense conversation.”
Following the conversation, the IPO allegedly informed Abuwatseya of a plan to conduct an investigation at Ikwechegh’s house in Maitama, an upscale area in Abuja. “The IPO said he was going to do an investigation at the honourable’s house,” Abuwatseya said, still in disbelief at the unfolding events.
The Bolt driver also claimed he was kept behind the station counter for more than two hours, a delay that he believes was meant to intimidate him. “After the IPO returned from the honourable’s house, he asked me why I recorded the Reps member,” he recounted, pointing out that the recording was his only means of self-defense against the lawmaker’s actions.
According to Abuwatseya, Ikwechegh arrived at the station later and confronted him again, allegedly calling him derogatory names in front of the police officers. It wasn’t until 3:00 am that Abuwatseya was finally allowed to leave the station. However, his car, he says, is still impounded at the police station.
“I left the station at 3:00 am and my car is still there,” Abuwatseya explained, highlighting how the encounter has not only affected his peace of mind but has also impacted his livelihood as a driver.
This case has drawn immense public attention, with many Nigerians expressing their frustration at what they view as yet another example of abuse of power by a public official. VeryDarkMan, a well-known advocate for social justice and human rights, took to his social media platforms to raise awareness about the incident, declaring his support for the driver and his determination to see justice served.
In a post, VeryDarkMan stated, “We cannot allow those in power to abuse their positions without consequences. This is an issue of justice for everyday Nigerians.” His words have resonated with thousands who feel that public officials are too often protected by their positions, even in situations where evidence points to wrongdoing.
The petition filed by VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Adeyanju, calls for a comprehensive investigation into the incident, urging relevant authorities to hold Ikwechegh accountable. “This is not just a matter for one man; it’s a matter of public trust,” said Adeyanju. “If officials can harass and assault regular Nigerians without consequence, then the very foundation of our justice system is at stake.”
Ikwechegh has not yet released an official statement addressing the allegations, and attempts to reach his office for comments were unsuccessful. However, analysts predict that the growing public outcry could prompt a response from the lawmaker’s office in the coming days.
As for Mr. Abuwatseya, he says he hopes the law will take its course and that justice will be served. “I just want my car back and an apology for what happened,” he said, his voice tinged with the frustration of someone who believes they have been wronged by the very people meant to protect them.
In Nigeria, where political officials often wield considerable influence, cases like Abuwatseya’s highlight the difficulties regular citizens face when confronting the powerful. For activists like VeryDarkMan, however, this incident represents an opportunity to push for real change.
“We need to take a stand,” VeryDarkMan declared in a follow-up post. “If we let this pass, it will be harder to speak out against future abuses.”
