• Abuwatseya petitions IGP, demands prosecution
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has said that Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, is currently being interrogated at its Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
FCT Police command spokesperson Josephine Adeh made the disclosure in a statement yesterday.
Ikwechegh had faced criticism from some Nigerians for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, in the Maitama area of Abuja.
According to reports, the Bolt driver, who was sent to deliver a package, asked Ikwechegh to leave his residence to collect the item—a request Ikwechegh considered disrespectful, as he expected the driver to bring the item into his compound in the affluent Maitama neighbourhood.
The driver’s refusal to comply led to a dispute that escalated into a verbal and physical altercation, with Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting the driver, who remained calm throughout the encounter after requesting payment for his service.
In a video widely circulated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ikwechegh said, “I can make you disappear and nothing will happen.”
Adeh said: “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.
Adeh added that CP Tunji Disu had ordered a thorough investigation. “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,” she said.
Also, following the alleged assault, the police high command warned Nigerians to refrain from ‘name-dropping” the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
The police spokesman, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who reacted to the viral video on social media, noted that “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, 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. 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.”
Meanwhile, Mr Abuwatseya has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun through his lawyers, Deji Adeyanju & Partners.
The petition reads in part: “As a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives, whose primary duties include making laws for the safety of Nigerians, we find Ikwechegh’s actions totally distasteful and a threat to our client’s safety.
“At a time when several Nigerians are increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearance by state and non-state actors, we particularly find Ikwechegh’s threat to cause our client’s disappearance as a national issue that deserves immediate investigation.
“In light of the foregoing, we kindly request that you investigate the issues raised in this petition with a view to prosecuting Alex Mascot Ikwechegh.”
Reacting to the video, social commentator Destiny said: “Mr Alex, if you’re too important to pick up your package, instead of asking, ‘Do you know who I am?’ just send someone to pick it up for you.”
Another commenter, Chrysus, remarked, “Those who ask questions like ‘Do you know who I am?’ are usually nobody.”
Ayomifela Adeolu also weighed in, saying: “Couldn’t he consider that the delivery man might have been concerned for his safety, asking whoever was to receive the package to meet him outside? That is not too much to ask in a country where you cannot trust your next-door neighbour, let alone a stranger.”
In a separate development, the FCT Police Command announced that an investigation into the passenger who assaulted a Bolt driver is ongoing.
The police clarified that the suspect’s release on bail has not hindered the investigation, as the victim remains hospitalised at the Federal Medical Centre in Jabi, Abuja.
Adeh provided details of the incident, stating that on October 24, 2024, a passenger in the Galadima area of the FCT allegedly attacked a Bolt driver.
Following a distress call, police officers, led by the Divisional Police Officer of Galadima, promptly responded to the situation.
“The passenger, identified as Brandy Nwatu, was taken into custody, while the driver, Emmanuel Ebhohimen, received medical care at the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi. Preliminary investigations suggest that an argument over luggage handling escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in injuries to the driver,” Adeh explained.
Nwatu was subsequently released on bail, with a requirement to return for further legal action.
The Police Command expressed gratitude to the public for promptly reporting the incident, which helped to manage tensions.
“We remind residents that security is a shared responsibility and encourage them to continue using our dedicated communication channels. Rest assured, the FCT Police Command will fulfil its duty to maintain law and order and ensure justice is served,” Adeh stated.
