Segun Adeyemi

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<h2>Stephen Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver involved in a recent assault incident with Abia State lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, has issued a public apology, attributing the misunderstanding to his “provocative utterances.” </h2>

Abuwatseya’s statement comes <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/video-outrage-as-nigerian-lawmaker-allegedly-assaults-bolt-driver-in-abuja/gmetdjq">after video footage surfaced</a>, showing the legislator slapping and threatening him on October 28.

In a video released Thursday, November 7, Abuwatseya expressed regret, urging Nigerians to move beyond the incident.

“Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago,” he said. “I actually want to apologise to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.”

Calling for national unity and forgiveness, he added, “Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer… For there is no justice without forgiveness.”

The altercation reportedly began when Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Ikwechegh’s Abuja residence.

In the video, Ikwechegh is seen verbally abusing and slapping the driver, at one point threatening to make him “disappear from Nigeria.”

Following public backlash, the lawmaker was arraigned at a Magistrate Court in Kuje, <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/court-grants-naira500k-bail-for-abia-lawmaker-accused-of-assaulting-bolt-driver/dsjgdhh">where he pleaded not guilty to charges of assault.</a>

While Abuwatseya’s apology may aim to de-escalate tensions, the legal proceedings continue as Ikwechegh faces formal charges, highlighting broader concerns about accountability among public officials.

L-R: Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh and Stephen Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver involved in a recent assault incident.  [Facebook]

Stephen Abuwatseya, the Bolt driver involved in a recent assault incident with Abia State lawmaker, Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, has issued a public apology, attributing the misunderstanding to his “provocative utterances.”

Bolt driver makes U-turn apologises to Abia lawmaker after assault incident

<h2>Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, has been granted bail of ₦500,000 following his alleged assault of a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. </h2>

The incident, which occurred on October 27 in Abuja's Maitama district, involved Ikwechegh <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/video-outrage-as-nigerian-lawmaker-allegedly-assaults-bolt-driver-in-abuja/gmetdjq">slapping and verbally abusing the driver </a>over a package delivery dispute, as captured in a viral video that sparked widespread outrage on social media.

During<a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/lawmaker-set-for-arraignment-over-assault-on-abuja-bolt-driver/e5ngr8x"> the court proceedings held at a magistrate court in Kuje,</a> Abuja, Ikwechegh faced three charges, including assault and threats to life.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges brought by the Inspector-General of Police's office.

In response to the charges, his legal counsel made an oral bail application, which Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai'id granted.

The magistrate stipulated that Ikwechegh must provide two sureties, each worth ₦500,000, who reside within the court's jurisdiction and can present utility bills as proof of residence.

This ruling allows the embattled representative to remain free pending the next hearing, scheduled for November 8, 2024.

As the case unfolds, public scrutiny remains high, with many closely monitoring the legal implications for Ikwechegh and the broader political ramifications of the incident.

Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, has been granted bail of ₦500,000 following his alleged assault of a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.

Court grants ₦500k bail for Abia lawmaker accused of assaulting Bolt driver

<h2>Alex Ikwechegh, a federal lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State, is set to appear before the Kuje Magistrate Court today at noon. </h2>

The court appearance follows his <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/video-outrage-as-nigerian-lawmaker-allegedly-assaults-bolt-driver-in-abuja/gmetdjq">alleged assault on an Abuja-based Bolt drive</a>r, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya, during an incident on October 27.

The investigation, led by the Inspector General of Police’s Special Investigation Unit, comes in response to a viral video showing Ikwechegh physically attacking Abuwatseya.

The video has <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/netizens-reject-lawmakers-apology-for-assaulting-bolt-driver/8d6mrvp">sparked widespread public criticism, </a>with Nigerians condemning the lawmaker’s conduct.

Prominent activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, representing the Bolt driver, confirmed the arraignment, stating, “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr. Steven, a Bolt driver.”

Adeyanju encouraged media presence at the hearing to witness the proceedings.

Amid the controversy, Ikwechegh has <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/netizens-reject-lawmakers-apology-for-assaulting-bolt-driver/8d6mrvp">issued a public apology, </a>acknowledging the harm caused and pledging full cooperation with police investigations.

“I am deeply remorseful for my actions and am committed to taking responsibility,” he stated. The lawmaker further revealed he is undergoing counseling in an effort to address his behaviour.

The arraignment marks a significant moment as Nigerians closely follow the case, awaiting the court’s ruling and hoping for accountability from elected officials.

Alex Ikwechegh, a federal lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State, is set to appear before the Kuje Magistrate Court today at noon.

Abia lawmaker set for arraignment over assault on Abuja Bolt driver

<h2>Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives who assaulted an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has issued a public apology for his actions.</h2>

In his statement issued on Tuesday, October 29, the lawmaker confirmed his misdeeds, acknowledging that the incident, which took place on Sunday, did not reflect the values he upholds.

"I sincerely apologise for my words and actions during this incident," he said, emphasising the weight of his role as a public servant.

"I understand how my words can impact others and am committed to taking accountability."

Ikwechegh disclosed that he and Abuwatseya had pursued alternative dispute resolution methods, ultimately reaching a "respectful resolution" he intends to honour.

<h3>Lawmaker apologise to IGP, House of Reps</h3>

L-R: Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, and IGP Kayode Egbetokun. [Facebook]

The lawmaker <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/police-respond-to-allegations-of-lawmaker-assaulting-bolt-driver/m45tnqf">apologised to the Inspector General of Police,</a> acknowledging that his remarks may have caused "unintended disparagement" to the office and the Nigerian Police Force.

"I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General's commitment to maintaining law and order," Ikwechegh added.

He also offered his <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/reps-break-silence-over-lawmakers-alleged-assault-on-bolt-driver/qqjcnbq">apologies to the National Assembly's leadership</a>, expressing regret over any damage to its reputation caused by the incident.

Describing the experience as a "humbling reminder," Ikwechegh committed to personal growth and to better representing his constituents through restraint and empathy in challenging situations.

<h3>Netizens lambast lawmaker</h3>

Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media did not have it as they criticised the lawmaker and rejected his apology.

Reacting to the lawmaker's apology on Instagram, Tanimola Ayodeji wrote, "This apology was only written by a personal assistant just because you are being dragged or because the house leadership told you to do so.

"My concern is will this apology change who you are as a person, will this not happen to other people off camera. You may need to work on yourself if this is who you are or try not to allow power take over you."

Another netizen @thebackendslime_ wrote, "God go punish you, I swear to God."

Ene Gerald wrote, "This apology was only written by a personal assistant just because you are being dragged or because the house leadership told you to do so.

Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives who assaulted an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has issued a public apology for his actions.

'God go punish you' - Netizens reject lawmaker's apology for assaulting Bolt driver

<h2>The Nigeria Police Force has warned the public, urging citizens to avoid misusing the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intimidate others. </h2>

This statement comes amid the controversy surrounding Alex Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member, accused of assaulting a Bolt driver in Abuja.

The incident, which went viral, depicts Ikwechegh <a data-link-role-code="open_new_tab" href="https://www.pulse.ng/news/local/video-outrage-as-nigerian-lawmaker-allegedly-assaults-uber-driver-in-abuja/gmetdjq">allegedly verbally and physically assaulting </a>driver Stephen Abuwatseya.

According to reports, the altercation arose when Abuwatseya asked the lawmaker to collect a snail delivery from his vehicle.

The demand reportedly enraged Ikwechegh, who considered the request disrespectful, repeatedly reminding the driver of his social status and threatening serious consequences.

“Do you know who I am? I can make this man disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen,” Ikwechegh allegedly stated in the video, adding, “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will tie you up, lie you down, and put you in my generator house.”

Responding to the incident, the Police Force assured the public of an impartial investigation.

“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident…in Maitama, Abuja. The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters,” read a post on the Force’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

The statement also reaffirmed that using the IG’s name to intimidate others undermines the office's impartiality.

The FCT Police Command is currently investigating the matter.

The Nigeria Police Force has warned the public, urging citizens to avoid misusing the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intimidate others.

Police react to lawmaker’s alleged assault on Bolt driver

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