NIGERIA: Bolt Driver Assault: Rep Member Gets N500,000 Bail, Trial Comes Nov 8

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Kuje Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has scheduled November 8 for the commencement of hearings in the trial of Alexander Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State, who is facing charges related to an alleged assault on a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

Ikwechegh, who appeared in court on Wednesday before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, which were brought forward by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun. Following his plea, the lawmaker was granted bail at N500,000 with two sureties, each required to reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.

The incident, which sparked public outrage, involved a video circulated on social media on Monday that allegedly shows Ikwechegh repeatedly slapping and threatening the Bolt driver. 

In the video, Ikwechegh appears to assure the driver he could make him “disappear without a trace.”

In response to the incident, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), a civil society organisation, released a statement condemning Ikwechegh’s behaviour. Signed by RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the statement decried the assault as a stark example of “abuse of power,” often associated with Nigerian political figures. 

“The incident involving Representative Ikwechegh’s alleged assault and intimidation of Mr. Abuwatseya illustrates a troubling misuse of authority that reflects poorly on the House of Representatives and the political landscape as a whole,” Nwanguma said. 

He added, “This conduct not only discredits Ikwechegh but undermines public trust in Nigeria’s law enforcement, as the police’s response appeared lenient toward an influential figure rather than prioritising justice for a vulnerable citizen.”

RULAAC called on the House of Representatives to take firm steps toward accountability, warning against sweeping the issue under the rug. 

“This incident should act as a catalyst for reform, signalling the urgent need for accountability and respect for human rights within our political institutions,” Nwanguma emphasised.

As the trial approaches, the case has drawn significant public interest, raising hopes for a judicial outcome that prioritises the rule of law over political influence.