The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has detained Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver in Abuja. The incident, which was caught on video, has sparked widespread public outrage, with many demanding accountability and justice.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, confirmed the lawmaker’s arrest, stating, “Alex Mascot Ikwechegh is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”
The arrest followed a complaint from the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who reported the matter to the authorities.
The now-viral video captures the confrontation that took place at Ikwechegh’s residence in the FCT on Sunday evening. In the footage, Ikwechegh, dressed casually, is seen slapping Abuwatseya during a dispute over the delivery of an order. The lawmaker, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was reportedly upset over the driver’s request for payment upon delivery of snails he had ordered.
During the heated exchange, Ikwechegh can be heard speaking on the phone with the snail vendor.
He angrily exclaimed, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”
The confrontation escalated after the call, with Ikwechegh turning to Abuwatseya and declaring, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”
The video shows Ikwechegh striking the driver twice, with Abuwatseya calmly asking, “Are you slapping me, sir?”
In response, the lawmaker admitted to the assault, retorting, “I just did, slap me back. How dare you?”
He continued, “Twice, you will soon receive the third one.”
When the driver mentioned that the incident was being recorded, Ikwechegh remained unperturbed, identifying himself by saying, “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”
This remark, which appeared to dismiss the authority of law enforcement, has drawn sharp criticism from the public.
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The police have criticized Ikwechegh’s attitude, noting in a statement that he displayed “a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement” during the altercation. They confirmed that Ikwechegh is undergoing questioning, and the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, has ordered 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,” the police statement added.
The incident has triggered a wave of online reactions, with many Nigerians calling for the lawmaker to face consequences for his actions. The House of Representatives and Ikwechegh himself have not yet issued any statements regarding the incident.