A National Assembly member, Mr Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, who allegedly assaulted one Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, a driver with e-hailing service, Bolt, was docked on Wednesday at an Abuja Magistrate Court.
Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) representing Aba North and South federal constituency, was thrust into national limelight last Sunday after a video of him surfaced where he assaulted a bolt driver who he accused of disrespecting him.
He also threatened to make the hapless Bolt driver disappear from anywhere in Nigeria, leading to outrage from civil society organisation and legal groups.
He was arrested on Monday by the Maitama Police Division, and was subsequently docked at the Chief Magistrate Court Kuje, Abuja on Wednesday with charges of assault and threat to life.
A humbled Ikwechegh appeared at the Maitama Magistrate court on Wednesday wearing a black kaftan and matching black cap. He looked a far cry from the raging bull in the viral video, who bragged of his capacity to make a fellow Nigerian disappear.
Honourable member in the dock
He was granted N500, 000 bail by the Presiding Judge, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, who adjourned the matter to November 8 after the lawmaker pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Ody Esq, made an oral application for bail, which was granted by the judge with the following conditions: bail set at N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence, the Court directed.
Although Ikwechegh, has tendered a public apology, his action has received widespread condemnation from Nigerians, and the National Assembly.
He was expected to take his plea before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Kuje by 12 pm, today, Wednesday, 30 October.
Mr Deji Adeyanju, who is the counsel representing the bolt driver, and Stephen Abuwatseya, who is the nominal complainant in the matter, confirmed the development.
Ikwechegh, who prides himself as a philaphropist was seen boasting in the infamous video that he could make Abuwatseya disappear anywhere in Nigeria, even stating that not even the Inspector General of Police could make him account for the crime.
“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.
A human rights group, Take It Back Movement called for the arrest of the lawmaker, whom it described as dishonourable.
