A Kuje Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has adjourned the case involving House of Representatives member Alexander Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State. The court set a hearing date for November 8, following Ikwechegh’s arraignment on charges of assault, abuse of office, and threat to life, stemming from an alleged attack on Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya.
Ikwechegh, who appeared before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to the charges. After his plea, his legal team requested bail, which was granted under the condition of N500,000 with two sureties. The magistrate mandated that the sureties reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The incident gained public attention after a viral video circulated online, showing Ikwechegh allegedly slapping and threatening the Bolt driver outside his Abuja residence. The footage, which sparked widespread backlash, shows the lawmaker issuing threats and asserting his ability to make the driver “disappear.”
In response, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) condemned Ikwechegh’s actions in a statement issued on Wednesday. Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC’s Executive Director, denounced the incident as a clear example of abuse of power, common among some politicians.
“The brutal treatment of Bolt driver Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya is a glaring example of power abuse permeating Nigeria’s political landscape,” Nwanguma stated. “The indiscriminate use of influence to intimidate citizens is a troubling trend. The lack of police intervention raises questions about their integrity and commitment to justice.”
Nwanguma urged the House of Representatives, which has launched an investigation into the matter, to ensure accountability. He also called for reforms to prevent similar incidents, emphasizing that this case should serve as a catalyst for change in Nigeria’s governance and respect for human rights.
