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House of Representatives member, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, appeared before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje on Wednesday, facing charges of allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver at his Abuja residence.
Representing the Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty to the First Information Report filed by the Nigerian Police Force. The charges include abuse of office, assault, and issuing threats to life.
Following Ikwechegh’s plea, prosecution counsel Mr. A. Umar requested a trial date to begin a full hearing. In response, the lawmaker’s counsel requested bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the constitution guarantees his presumption of innocence.
Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted the bail request, setting conditions at N500,000 with two sureties. The court stipulated that both sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide utility bills to confirm their residence.
The case was adjourned to November 8 for trial.
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Tribune Online reports that a video circulating on social media shows Hon. Ikwechegh slapping a Bolt driver, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya, multiple times. In the video, Ikwechegh, angered by what he described as the driver’s rude behavior, allegedly threatened to make him disappear without consequence. The incident sparked public outrage, prompting Ikwechegh to issue a public apology.
Also present in court was Mr. Deji Adeyanju, representing the Bolt driver in the case.
