Abia lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh was granted bail by a Magistrate Court in Abuja, following allegations of assaulting a Bolt driver. The lawmaker, who serves in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, faces charges of criminal intimidation, physical assault, and abuse of public office.
The charges stem from a viral incident that took place last Sunday, involving Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya, who went to Ikwechegh’s residence in Abuja to deliver a package. A video of the confrontation quickly went viral, sparking public outrage and prompting swift action by the police.
The Magistrate Court set Ikwechegh’s bail at N500,000, with the case adjourned for further hearings. His release has not quieted the controversy, as Nigerians question the actions of a public official in a position of power.
The Nigeria Police Force has assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway. According to the police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Special Investigation Unit and Legal Section have completed their preliminary inquiries into the case.
“Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh has been arraigned today on charges of Abuse of Office, Criminal Intimidation, and Criminal Assault,” Adejobi stated. He added that the charges relate to Sections 397(b) and 265 of the Penal Code Act, which address acts of intimidation and assault.
Adejobi also confirmed that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun ordered a rigorous investigation to uphold justice and respect for human rights in Nigeria. The police underscored that they are committed to seeing the case through, as public figures are not exempt from the rule of law.
The incident that led to these charges began innocently enough — with a routine package delivery. But things took a heated turn, resulting in a confrontation captured on video that quickly spread across social media platforms.
In the video, the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, is heard calmly requesting payment for the delivery. But Ikwechegh allegedly refused, accusing the driver of being disrespectful. Tensions escalated, with Ikwechegh heard making threats, telling the driver he could “make [him] disappear in Nigeria,” which shocked onlookers.
In another part of the video, the altercation grows physical, with Abuwatseya alleging that Ikwechegh slapped him multiple times and tore his clothing. “Are you slapping me, sir?” the driver can be heard asking, clearly distressed.
The video ends with Ikwechegh reportedly taunting the driver to call the Inspector-General of Police, saying, “Call the Inspector General, call him. Record me very well. You come to my house and disrespect me.”
Alex Ikwechegh, a young and ambitious politician, started his career in Abia State politics. He made headlines in 2019 when he was elected chairman of Aba North Local Government Area at just 28 years old. Since then, he has risen in political ranks and now represents Abia North and South Federal Constituency.
Ikwechegh holds a business management degree from the University of Calabar and has positioned himself as an advocate for business-friendly policies in Abia. However, recent events have cast a shadow over his political career, with some questioning his commitment to public service and the responsibility that comes with leadership.
