An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje on Wednesday arraigned Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, on charges of alleged assault, abuse of office, and threat to life following an incident involving a Bolt driver at his Abuja residence.
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, pleaded not guilty to the allegations brought by the Nigerian Police Force.
READ ALSO: House of Rep member Alex Ikwechegh slaps Bolt driver in viral video
After Ikwechegh entered his plea, prosecution counsel Mr. A. Umar requested a date to commence full trial. However, the lawmaker’s counsel argued for his immediate release on bail, emphasizing that the alleged offenses are bailable and citing his client’s right to presumption of innocence as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.
Ruling on the matter, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted Ikwechegh bail, setting the sum at ₦500,000 with two sureties in the same amount. The court required that the sureties reside within its jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case, adjourned to November 8 for trial, has garnered significant attention due to a viral video showing Ikwechegh allegedly slapping the Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. In the video, the lawmaker reportedly expressed anger at what he described as the driver’s “rude behavior,” boasting he could make the driver “disappear without a trace.”
Following public backlash over the video, Ikwechegh issued a public apology for his actions. Among those present in court on Wednesday was Mr. Deji Adeyanju, counsel to the Bolt driver, who is serving as the complainant in the case.
