On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives representing Aba North and South federal constituency of Abia State, was arraigned before the Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje. He faces charges of alleged assault on a Bolt driver at his residence in Abuja, along with accusations of abuse of office and threat to life.
Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty, and his counsel immediately applied for bail. Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N500,000, along with two sureties required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case has been adjourned to November 8, 2024, for trial. The incident gained significant attention after a video clip surfaced on social media, showing Ikwechegh allegedly slapping the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, and making threats. The video triggered public outrage, prompting Ikwechegh to issue a public apology.
The proceedings were attended by the Bolt driver’s counsel, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, representing the nominal complainant in the case.
