A viral video featuring Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, has sparked widespread outrage online after he was seen slapping a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
The incident took place on Sunday evening at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
In the footage, Ikwechegh, dressed casually, became enraged during a delivery dispute over a package of snails.
When Abuwatseya arrived and asked for payment, the lawmaker reacted aggressively, stating, “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.”
The confrontation escalated when Ikwechegh told Abuwatseya, “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 multiple times, to which the bolt driver, Abuwatseya calmly asked, “Are you slapping me, sir?”
Ikwechegh taunted him further, asserting his authority: “I just did, slap me back. How dare you?”
“Do you slap me thrice sir?” Abuwatseya asked
“Twice, you will soon receive the third one,” Ikwechegh answered.
When alerted that the episode was recorded, Ikwechegh told the driver, “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them.” He challenged Abuwatseya to call the Inspector General of Police, claiming he would face no consequences for his actions.
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The Nigeria Police Force confirmed they are actively investigating the incident after Abuwatseya filed a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters. The police also urged the public to avoid using the name of the Inspector-General to intimidate others, highlighting the need for impartiality.
In a statement on Monday, the police said the matter was reported and that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command is “actively handling the case”.
“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 statement read.
As of now, neither Ikwechegh nor the House of Representatives has issued an official statement regarding the incident. Public response has been swift, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and justice for the driver.
This incident adds to Ikwechegh’s controversial political background. He recently regained his seat after a tribunal ruled against his opponent, Emeka Nnamani, over allegations of certificate forgery. Ikwechegh has consistently denied any wrongdoing and dismissed claims against him as false.
The incident raises serious questions about conduct and accountability among elected officials, leaving many to wonder how the House of Representatives will address this troubling behavior from one of its members.
