A Nigerian House of Representatives member, Alex Ikwechegh, has pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. Mr. Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South federal constituency of Abia State, appeared before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
The charges stem from a viral video showing Mr. Ikwechegh repeatedly slapping a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, at his Abuja residence. The lawmaker claimed the driver’s behaviour was rude, boasting he could make him “disappear without trace”. This incident sparked widespread condemnation, prompting Mr. Ikwechegh’s public apology.
During the court hearing, prosecution counsel Mr. A. Umar requested a date for a full-blown hearing. Ikwechegh’s counsel applied for bail, citing the 1999 Constitution’s guarantee of presumption of innocence. Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, requiring proof of residence within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to November 8 for trial. Counsel for the bolt driver, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, was present in court. This development highlights concerns about abuse of power and accountability.
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