The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver in Abuja.
The arrest follows a report by the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who alleged that the lawmaker slapped him during a delivery altercation on Sunday evening. The confrontation was captured in a viral video, sparking public outcry.
Ikwechegh, representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), reportedly became agitated when the driver asked to be paid and requested the lawmaker to retrieve his snail order from the car. In the video, Ikwechegh can be seen slapping the driver and making threats, saying, “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”
In response, police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that Ikwechegh is undergoing questioning at the Maitama Police Station. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered a full investigation, with a commitment to taking appropriate legal action after concluding the inquiry.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, with advocacy groups like the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) demanding accountability. “Impunity for violations of citizens’ rights must stop,” SERAP stated on social media, urging the police and House of Representatives leadership to ensure justice is served.
Ikwechegh and the House of Representatives are yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
