Police detain lawmaker for threatening, assaulting cab driver
Alexander Ikwechegh, the lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been taken into custody by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after a viral video showed him assaulting Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya.
The incident reportedly took place on Sunday, October 27, in the Maitama area of Abuja, stemming from a dispute over the delivery of snails he allegedly ordered, which escalated into a physical confrontation.
FCT Police public relations officer Josephine Adeh confirmed that the lawmaker is currently being questioned by authorities.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the inspector general of police following the incident. 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. 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,” the police said.
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The video footage, which circulated widely on social media, showed Ikwechegh assaulting and verbally threatening Abuwatseya, with statements like “I will make you disappear,” “I will tie you up,” and “I will beat you up.”
The driver had asked Ikwechegh to come out and get the snail he was meant to deliver, but this, according to the video, did not sit well with Ikwechegh, who resorted to dubbing the driver ‘disrespectful.’
Ikwechegh then went ahead to slap the driver multiple times, noting that he would make him suffer.
The legislator appeared visibly angry in the footage, engaging in a heated exchange with the driver before resorting to physical intimidation and vocal threats.
Newsmen however, could not confirm if the lawmaker went further to assault the driver beyond what was disclosed in the video.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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