Police detain lawmaker Alex Ikwechegh for allegedly assaulting Bolt driver
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Police in Abuja have confirmed that a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South federal Constituency, Alex Ikwechegh who allegedly assaulted a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya and threatened to make him ‘disappear’ is in their custody for questioning.
The Abia lawmaker was caught on a viral video assaulting the driver sent to deliver an order to him at his Abuja residence.
The first-time lawmaker, elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was also heard on the video telling a woman on the phone that he can make the driver disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.
He further threatened to deal with the driver, after slapping him, saying he would not pay his work fees for disrespecting him.
Confirming the incident, the Police in a statement on Monday, by the Federal Capital Territory Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh stated that the incident was reported at Maitama Divisional headquarters by the driver, Abuwatseya.
The FCT Police Command said in a statement that it had taken the lawmaker into custody for questioning.
Adeh stated that Ikwechegh was invited for questioning over the case.
The statement said the FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
Adeh wrote, “During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.
“Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter. The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken”.
