A viral video showing Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, slapping a Bolt driver has ignited outrage across social media platforms.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Ikwechegh’s residence in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
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In the video, the lawmaker, dressed casually, was engaged in a heated dispute with the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, over a delivery of snails. The disagreement escalated when Abuwatseya arrived at Ikwechegh’s home and requested payment.
An irate Ikwechegh was heard on the phone with the snail vendor, expressing his frustration. “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen,” he said.
Following the phone conversation, Ikwechegh confronted Abuwatseya, declaring, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.” He then slapped the driver twice, to which Abuwatseya calmly replied, “Are you slapping me, sir?” Ikwechegh retorted, “I just did, slap me back. How dare you?”
The situation escalated further when Ikwechegh identified himself, saying, “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”
While neither Ikwechegh nor the House of Representatives has issued an official statement regarding the incident, many Nigerians are calling for justice.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigeria Police Force confirmed they are investigating the matter. “The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters,” the statement read. The police emphasized the importance of upholding impartiality and urged the public to refrain from using the name of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others.
The police later announced that Ikwechegh had been taken into custody for questioning. “The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken,” they stated.
