Police to probe ‘assault’ of Bolt driver by Abia rep

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it is investigating an incident involving Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the house of representatives, and Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver. 

Videos of the lawmaker purportedly assaulting Abuwatseya have gone viral.

The clips showed a man identified as Ikwechegh hurling invective and expletives on Abuwatseya while threatening to “make him disappear”. 

The incident occurred on October 27 in the Maitama area of Abuja. 

In a statement on X on Monday, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the NPF, said Abuwatseya reported the incident to the Maitama divisional headquarters.

“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja,” the statement reads.

“The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.”

Adejobi also cautioned against using the name of the inspector-general of police (IGP) to intimidate the public. 

A voice seemingly belonging to the lawmaker had said: “Do you know where you are? Do you know who you are talking to? Look at this monkey. I’m a member of the house of representatives. I slapped you. Call the inspector-general of police.”

The police said the name-dropping is unacceptable.

“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds,” the statement added.

Ikwechegh represents Aba North and South federal constituency of Abia state in the house of representatives.