Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, appeared in an Abuja Magistrate Court on Wednesday, facing allegations of assault against a Bolt driver at his residence in the capital.
Representing the Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, Ikwechegh is accused of abuse of office, assault, and making threats to the driver’s life, claims he has firmly denied.
The case stemmed from an incident that was widely circulated on social media, where Ikwechegh was seen slapping a Bolt driver, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya, in a video that quickly went viral.
In the video, the lawmaker appeared visibly angry and was heard criticizing the driver’s attitude, even threatening him. Ikwechegh reportedly said that he could “make him disappear without a trace,” a statement that drew strong public backlash.
Following the public outcry and criticism from various quarters, Ikwechegh issued a formal apology, acknowledging his actions and offering an explanation, though he maintained his stance of innocence in court.
The Nigerian Police Force submitted a formal report against Ikwechegh, leading to the court hearing. Prosecuting attorney Mr. A. Umar requested a date for a full trial to present the case in detail.
Meanwhile, Ikwechegh’s legal team argued that the charges, being bailable, warranted his release on bail as he awaited trial. They also cited his right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty, a right guaranteed by Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted Ikwechegh bail. The terms included a bond of N500,000 and two reliable sureties. The court emphasized that these sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills to confirm their addresses.
This bail decision means Ikwechegh is free pending trial, which has been scheduled for November 8. On that day, the court is expected to review evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense in full.
