NIGERIA: Police Responds To Alleged Assault Of Bolt Driver By House of Reps Member In Abuja

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a statement following a viral video showing a House of Representatives member, Alex Ifeanyi Mascot Ikwechegh, allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, Yesterday night at his residence in Abuja. 

The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday in Maitama, after the driver declined to leave his vehicle and personally deliver a package to the lawmaker’s residence late at night.

In the widely circulated video, Ikwechegh is seen confronting Abuwatseya, berating him for refusing to enter his home to complete the delivery. 

Ikwechegh allegedly threatened the driver, warning that he could “make him disappear,” before knocking the phone out of Abuwatseya’s hand.

However, the footage later showed Abuwatseya reappearing shirtless, claiming that the lawmaker tore his shirt and refused to pay for the service.

Reacting to the incident, the Nigeria Police Force, via its X handle, confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command is currently investigating the matter after Abuwatseya filed an official complaint at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.

“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja. The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.” 

In the statement, the police urged the public to avoid invoking the Inspector-General of Police’s name or office to intimidate others, emphasising that such behaviour undermines the impartiality of the IGP’s office. 

“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds.”

The police assured the public of a thorough investigation into the incident to ensure justice is served.