An Abuja Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N500,000 to the House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, Alex Ikwechegh.
Ikwechegh was arraigned by the police for allegedly assaultingÂan bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, who went to deliver a package to him at his Abuja residence.
The action of the lawmaker went viral in a video on social media.
In the video, the lawmaker could be heard threatening the driver and assuring him that he could make him disappear without a trace.
The lawmaker, who faced charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id held that he was minded to accede to the defendant’s application for bail.
Consequently, he granted the lawmaker bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.
The court stressed that the sureties must not only reside within its jurisdiction but also provide their utility bills as proof of residence.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to November 8 for trial
Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi had, in a statement announcing the prosecution, reiterated the IGP’s resolve to uphold the rule of law and order.
The statement reads:
In response to a case of assault on a bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, by Hon. Alexander Ikwechegh, on the night of October 27 2024, the Nigeria Police Force Special Investigation Unit and the Legal Section have concluded investigations into the case and today arraigned Hon. Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh on the charges of “Abuse of Office, Criminal Intimidation and Criminal Force and Assault Contrary to Sections 397(b) and 265 of the Penal Code Act at the Kuje Magistrate Court.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., had ordered a proper investigation into the matter to ensure that justice is served and promoting human respect and dignity in Nigeria.
The IGP hereby reaffirms the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, reassuring members of the public that the Force remains dedicated towards ensuring all fundamental steps are taken towards assuring justice always as no one is above the law.
