Lawyer withdraws from bolt driver’s case after controversial apology to Abia Rep
In a twist of events surrounding the alleged assault of a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, by House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, the law firm Deji Adeyanju and Partners has announced its withdrawal from representing the driver.
The law firm’s decision follows a controversial video that surfaced on Thursday, in which the driver was seen publicly apologising to the lawmaker, just a day before a scheduled court hearing.
The incident that sparked this legal drama occurred when Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North/South at the National Assembly, allegedly slapped Abuwatseya multiple times at his Abuja residence.
Reports suggest the altercation began after the Bolt driver requested the lawmaker to come outside to collect a package of snails for delivery. The alleged assault drew public outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the lawmaker’s actions and calling for an investigation.
In response, Ikwechegh was arraigned on charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. He was granted bail, and the case was set for hearing on November 8, 2024.
READ ALSO: Court grants Abia lawmaker ₦500,000 bail for assaulting bolt driver
However, as tensions were set to come to a head, the matter took a dramatic turn when Abuwatseya appeared in a video apologising to the lawmaker and pleading for forgiveness from Nigerians. The video has been described as controversial by various quarters and has prompted a wave of mixed reactions.
In a statement issued by Zainab Otega on behalf of Deji Adeyanju and Partners, the law firm clarified its reasons for stepping back from the case. “We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseya,” the statement read. The law firm detailed how Abuwatseya had sought their services in October, appearing “visibly distressed” and seeking justice for the alleged assault. The firm, operating on a pro-bono basis, pursued legal actions that led to Ikwechegh’s arraignment.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have decided to withdraw our legal representation to protect our professional integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession,” the firm explained, wishing Abuwatseya well while reiterating its dedication to defending the rights of the oppressed and less privileged in society.
Reacting to the unfolding situation, Ikwechegh issued a public apology to all involved and expressed regret for his actions during the altercation. He acknowledged falling short of the expected standards of a public official and disclosed that he had engaged in an alternative dispute resolution process with the Bolt driver. According to him, the matter had been mutually resolved in a “respectful” manner.
The case, which initially drew widespread attention due to its implications for abuse of office and the treatment of service workers, has now taken on a more complex dimension with questions over the circumstances of the driver’s apology and the subsequent withdrawal of legal representation.
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