Police probe is on to ascertain the veracity of a Bolt driver’s claim that a lawmaker assaulted him. The FCT police command assures Nigerians of fairness in the matter.
Stephen Abuwatseye, a Bolt driver, has filed a petition with Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, alleging assault by Alex Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives.
The incident, partially captured on video and widely circulated on social media, reportedly took place on October 27, 2024, in Abuja.
The footage shows Ikwechegh slapping Abuwatseye, accusing him of disrespect and demanding special treatment due to his social status. Abuwatseye has requested an investigation and possible prosecution of the lawmaker, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance.
In a petition through his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, Abuwatseye cited allegations of grievous assault, abuse of power, and threats to his life.
His account indicates that after arriving at Ikwechegh’s residence to deliver food, the driver was instructed to bring the package into the premises. Abuwatseye declined, explaining that Bolt policy requires deliveries to be completed outside a customer’s residence.
The lawmaker, reportedly enraged by this refusal, slapped the driver and tore his clothing, while repeatedly asserting his authority. Police are probing the lawmaker’s alleged actions.
Police probe alleged physical abuse
Abuwatseye shared that Ikwechegh further threatened to make him “disappear” without facing repercussions. The driver recounted that, when he asked for the delivery fee, the lawmaker slapped him and detained him at Maitama Police Station. “Do you know who you are talking to?” Ikwechegh allegedly taunted, refusing to back down. Abuwatseye’s lawyer condemned the alleged behaviour as a gross abuse of power and a potential national concern.
The Bolt driver’s petition describes his disappointment over the alleged assault. It said, “As a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives, whose primary duties include making laws for the safety of Nigerians, we find Hon. Ikwechegh’s actions distasteful.”
The letter asserts that the threat of enforced disappearance by state actors poses a significant risk, calling for immediate police action. Police probes into the lawmaker’s conduct have since been initiated by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
Alleged misrepresentation by police officers
Abuwatseye further alleged that Ikwechegh involved the police to twist the situation against him. In a video shared with social media personality VeryDarkMan, the driver explained that police officers bundled him into their vehicle, despite his requests to drive his car. He was driven to the station and questioned by officers who, he claims, were already inclined to believe Ikwechegh’s version of events, alleging Abuwatseye initiated the altercation.
Abuwatseye described his ordeal, stating, “When we arrived, they instructed me to go inside. They claimed I had gone to the honorable house and fought with him.” Although he had recorded part of the incident, police had yet to view the footage. The security personnel who witnessed the event had not reviewed the recording either, further complicating the investigation. Police probes are underway to verify Abuwatseye’s account and determine the lawmaker’s involvement in any wrongdoing.
Tensions escalate as video evidence surfaces
The Bolt driver alleged that before recording, Ikwechegh had already treated him poorly. Following his arrival with the package, he made a phone call to confirm the handoff. “Are you stupid? Bring my stuff to me,” the lawmaker allegedly shouted when contacted by phone.
Abuwatseye, uncomfortable with the request, asserted that it was the lawmaker’s responsibility to collect the package outside. This polite refusal reportedly triggered the physical altercation, with the driver maintaining that he was attempting to remain professional.
The video of the incident, now circulating widely, has prompted widespread reactions. Many Nigerians condemning the lawmaker’s actions and calling for accountability. Meanwhile, Abuwatseye’s car remains at the police station, with police continuing to probe the lawmaker’s actions.
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