Bolt driver pursues court action against lawmaker for alleged assault
By Uzair Adam
A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has taken legal steps against Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member from Abia State, following an alleged assault incident in Abuja.
According to Abuwatseya’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arraignment will take place today at Kuje Magistrate Court.
He confirmed, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr. Stephen, a Bolt driver,” adding that media personnel are invited to cover the 12 pm session.
This incident, which has gained significant media attention, follows a report from the Nigeria Police Force that it had launched an “impartial” investigation into Ikwechegh’s actions.
The lawmaker is accused of physically assaulting and threatening the driver, with parts of the altercation captured in a video that quickly went viral on social media.
The footage allegedly shows Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency, slapping and verbally abusing the driver for requesting he approach the car to collect a delivery.
Ikwechegh reportedly threatened to “make the driver disappear” without consequence, even breaking the driver’s phone and tearing his clothes in a display of authority.
In a statement released Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi expressed the police’s commitment to a thorough investigation.
The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an impartial investigation into the matter and wishes to reaffirm its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.”
The incident reportedly occurred on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.