House of Representatives member, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, appeared in an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje on Wednesday, facing charges related to an alleged assault on a Bolt driver at his Abuja residence.
Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Nigerian Police Force. The charges against him include abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.
After the plea, the prosecution, led by Mr. A. Umar, requested a date for a full hearing. Meanwhile, Ikwechegh’s counsel made an oral application for his release on bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and citing his constitutional right to a presumption of innocence.
In his decision, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted bail, setting the amount at N500,000 with two sureties. The court specified that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence. The trial is scheduled for November 8.
The case follows a viral video in which Ikwechegh was allegedly seen repeatedly slapping Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya, claiming he could make the driver “disappear without trace.” The video sparked public outrage, leading the lawmaker to issue a public apology for his actions.
Also present in court was Mr. Deji Adeyanju, representing the Bolt driver who filed the complaint.
