The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, for assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in the Maitama area of Abuja.
The command’s spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, October 28, 2024.
Adeh stated: “Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh 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.
Police react as Reps member assaults Bolt driver in Abuja
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”
She added that the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed a thorough investigation into the matter.
A viral video had captured Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, slapping the Bolt driver.
According to the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker had ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the Bolt driver to deliver the goods.
A heated disagreement ensued when the driver arrived at the lawmaker’s residence and asked to be paid.
Ikwechegh accused the Bolt driver of disrespecting him and slapped the latter multiple times.
He further said: “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.
“Do you know who I am I just slapped you and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them (public) I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well.”
