JUST IN: Police to Arraign Federal Lawmaker as Bolt Driver Files Assault Charges

Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member for the Abia North/South federal constituency, is set to be arraigned by the Nigerian Police on Wednesday for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver in Abuja.

The incident, involving e-hailing driver Mr. Steven Abuwatseya, was captured on video and went viral, showing the lawmaker engaging in physical and verbal abuse. The footage, widely shared on social media, revealed Ikwechegh repeatedly slapping Abuwatseya and using derogatory terms, such as “rat” and “poor monkey,” reportedly over a delivery dispute. The lawmaker was also recorded making threats, including a claim that he could make the driver “disappear” without consequence, igniting public outrage.

In response, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, addressing his colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Nigerian public. He also faced questioning by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigerian Police, who noted his disparaging remarks about the Inspector-General of Police during the altercation.

Abuja-based human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju confirmed Wednesday that the Police will formally arraign Ikwechegh at the Kuje Magistrate Court for the alleged assault, with Abuwatseya serving as the nominal complainant in the case.