The Nigeria Police Force has said it was aware of an assault incident involving a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, and a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, which occurred on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja.
According to a statement from the Force, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command is investigating the case following Abuwatseya’s official report filed at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
In its statement, the Police Force noted, “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, 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.”
Additionally, the Police Force advised the public against using the Inspector-General of Police’s name or office to intimidate others.
“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 statement added.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, reportedly took place when the Bolt driver arrived at Ikwechegh’s Maitama residence to deliver a package of snails.
The video, filmed by the driver, showed Ikwechegh, visibly angered, confronting and assaulting the driver. The confrontation escalated after Abuwatseya requested that the politician come outside to collect the package.
In response, Ikwechegh slapped and insulted him, taking offense at the driver’s request, which he deemed disrespectful due to his social status.
In the video, Ikwechegh threatened the driver, boasting about his influence and suggesting he could make Abuwatseya “disappear” without consequences.
“Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money,” he said.
The footage continued with Ikwechegh saying, “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up, I will do that myself. I will show that I am a big brother to you, tie you up, lie you down, and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.”
When Abuwatseya requested payment for the delivery, Ikwechegh allegedly slapped him repeatedly, questioning if the driver knew who he was. “Do you know who I am? I just slapped you and there’s nothing you will do. My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them (public) I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well,” he boasted.
The video of the incident has been widely shared online, drawing public condemnation and calls for an investigation.