ALEX IKWECHEGH: POLICE VOWS TO CONTINUE INVESTIGATION
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said on Thursday night, that it will continue the investigation of Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh for assault on Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who was to make a delivery to Ikwechegh.
Earlier in the week, a viral video had emerged of Ikwechegh lounging in his property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, dressed casually.
After the phone conversation with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh faced Abuwatseya and said, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”
The APGA lawmaker fulfilled his threat and thudded two slaps on the cheeks of the driver who maintained his composure in the face of the assault.
To capture that he had been slapped, the Bolt driver asked, “Are you slapping me, sir?”
“I just did, slap me back. How dare you?” the lawmaker angrily retorted.”
In a twist of events, the Police summoned the Ikwechegh, a Member of the House of Representatives, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.
According to a statement released on Monday by Police, Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya reported the incident to the command.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“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.”
Also on Tuesday, Ikwechegh had apologised to Nigerians on the floor of the National Assembly, and said he was “embarrassed” by the development.
“Mr Speaker, honorable colleagues, I just want to state once again that I am human even though there were things that were said and those things I regret. I apologize to all Nigerians regardless of the provocation,” the Abia lawmaker said.
“There should be no reason why I should react in that form. So, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians. Let us let what has happened, remain in the past, and let us forge forward.”
The Nigeria Police Force on Thursday night insisted that it will go ahead with its investigation of the matter. Via a press statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), he said “In reaction to a case of assault and threat to life making the rounds in the media space by Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State against a bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, who was to deliver a package to him at a residence in Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja on the 27th October, 2024.
“The Nigeria Police Force has commenced an impartial investigation into the matter and wishes to reaffirm its commitment and readiness to ensure justice is served accordingly.”