A viral video showing Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, a lawmaker representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, allegedly assaulting an Uber driver during a delivery at his residence in Maitam, Abuja, has drawn negative publicity for the politician, and he is currently under investigation by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command.
According to a trending video, the lawmaker slapped an e-hailing(Bolt) driver, Stephen Abuwatseya who requested the lawmaker to come and personally pick up his delivery and pay him his fees.
In the video, the lawmaker repeatedly insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status.
As the altercation intensified, the footage captured Ikwechegh slapping the driver multiple times, insisting the request was disrespectful given his social status.
At one point in the recording, Ikwechegh is allegedly heard threatening the driver, claiming he could make him “disappear” without facing any consequences.
“Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey,” he said.
In a statement on Monday by the command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, the police said investigation had commenced into the matter.
She added that already, preliminary investigation revealed that Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery.
Adeh said, “Alexander Ikwegh, 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 FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. 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.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwechegh dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
Adeh slammed the lawmaker for bringing the name of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun into disrepute by daring the driver to make calls through to him after slapping him.
She said, “After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.”
Adeh added that CP Tunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.
She said, “Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji 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.”