From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) said it has commenced an investigation into the alleged assault meted on an Bolt driver by a member of the House of Representative.
The lawmaker representing Abia North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, has allegedly assaulted an Uber driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja.
In a statement on its X handle on Monday, the Police warned the public against using the name or office of the Inspector General of Police to threaten others during altercations.
“The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, 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”, the Police said.
A viral video of the alleged incident shared on X by former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, caught the lawmaker assaulting the Uber driver for asking him to pick up a delivery.
Stephen, who went to deliver a parcel at the Abuja residence of the lawmaker, had requested Ikwechegh to come outside to receive his delivery personally.
The enraged Ikwechegh berated the driver for asking him to pick up the delivery.
Video of the alleged incident caught the lawmaker slapping the driver multiple times.
Ikwechegh had reportedly threatened to make the cab driver disappear during the assault.
“Do you know who I am? Can you imagine this rat, I can make him disappear in Nigeria and nothing will happen.
“I will not even call my police. I will beat you up myself and lock you in my dogs’ house. I’ll beat you up and lock you in my generator house. I will make you disappear in the whole of Nigeria. Call IGP, record me”, he roared.