The Maitama Police Division in Abuja is questioning Alexander Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, over allegations of assaulting Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya after the delivery of a package.
The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Olatunji Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with plans for legal action upon its completion.
A video of the incident, which went viral on social media, shows Ikwechegh berating Abuwatseya for asking him to retrieve his items from the car, calling it an “affront” and refusing to pay the driver.
The legislator was heard saying, “Do you know who I am? I will not pay you, and nobody can do anything, go and call the Inspector General of Police.” Unfazed, Abuwatseya replied, “I don’t care to know who you are. Just pay me my money and let me go.” Ikwechegh then allegedly slapped the driver twice, leading to outrage online and calls for the lawmaker’s arrest.
FCT Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident, stating, “The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Alexander Ikwechegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State. The incident occurred on October 27, 2024, at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.”
The preliminary investigation suggests the altercation arose over delivery methods, resulting in alleged physical assault on the driver.
“The FCT Police command expresses grave concern over Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police,” the statement read. “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning. Commissioner of Police, FCT, Mr. Disu, has mandated 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.”
In response, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, under whose platform Ikwechegh was elected, issued a strong condemnation of the lawmaker’s alleged actions.
APGA National Publicity Secretary, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, stated, “As a political party founded on respect for human rights, we roundly condemn the action of our said member, Ikwechegh. The recent video allegedly showing Ikwechegh assaulting a cab driver is unacceptable and runs counter to what our party, APGA, represents.”
Opara added that APGA’s leadership will establish a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter, pledging, “If found wanting, appropriate sanctions shall be meted on him in line with the Constitution of APGA. All members of APGA and indeed all elected officials on the platform of our great party are expected to exhibit the highest standards of decorum, civility, and integrity in all public and private engagements.”
