The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has responded to the viral video showing Abia State House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver in Abuja.
On Sunday, October 27, an altercation between Abia State House of Representatives member Alexander Ikwechegh and Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya occurred at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja. The dispute began when Abuwatseya, delivering a package, reportedly refused to leave his vehicle to personally hand over the item inside the premises.
A video of the incident, widely shared online, shows Ikwechegh slapping Abuwatseya twice, stating, “Do you know who I am? I can make this man [driver] disappear in Nigeria, and nothing will happen.” He further challenged the driver, saying, “Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you, let him come. Record me very well.”
Following the outrage from online audience popular online policeman VeryDarkMan, sent a petition to the Inspector General of Police calling for the arraignment of Hon. Ikwechegh. He also met with the Bolt Driver, who explained what ensued between them, revealing that his car was ceased by the police.Â
The Nigerian Police Force responded on October 28, 2024, through a statement released by FCT Police Command spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, titled “Nigeria Police Reacts to the Humiliation of Dispatch Rider by Abia State House of Reps Member.” The statement confirmed that the police were investigating the incident following Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters. The FCT Police Command expressed serious concern over Ikwechegh’s dismissive remarks, particularly his use of the Inspector General of Police’s office to intimidate Abuwatseya.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwechegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police,” SP Adeh stated, adding that Ikwechegh allegedly said, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” displaying what the police described as “a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.”
Ikwechegh arrived at the FCT Police Command for questioning at 2:50 p.m. on October 28, 2024, where he is reportedly still in talks with FCT Commissioner of Police Tunji Disu.