A disturbing incident involving a member of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, and a Bolt driver has recently come to light, sparking widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The Incident
On October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja, Representative Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, was caught on camera assaulting a Bolt driver named Stephen AbuwatseyaThe altercation reportedly began when Abuwatseya asked the lawmaker to collect a snail delivery from his vehicle
Details of the Assault
The video shows Ikwechegh:
- Repeatedly slapping the driver
- Verbally abusing and threatening him
- Tearing the driver’s clothes
- Breaking the driver’s phone
During the confrontation, Ikwechegh allegedly made several alarming statements, including:
- “Do you know who I am? I can make this man disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”
- “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will tie you up, lie you down, and put you in my generator house.”2
Public and Official Response
The incident has triggered a strong response from various quarters:
- Public Outrage: The video has gone viral on social media, leading to widespread condemnation of the lawmaker’s actions
- Police Investigation: The Nigeria Police Force has announced that they are actively investigating the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters
- Calls for Accountability: Human rights advocacy organizations, including the Take It Back Movement (TIB) and the Rule of Law And Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), have demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of Ikwechegh
- Warning from Police: The police have urged the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, emphasizing that such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds
This incident has raised serious concerns about the abuse of power by public officials and the need for accountability in Nigeria’s political system. As the investigation unfolds, many are calling for swift action to address this troubling display of misconduct by an elected representative.
