A Kuje Magistrate Court in the Federal Capital Territory has scheduled November 8 to begin the trial of Alexander Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency, following his recent arraignment on charges of assault. The court granted Ikwechegh bail set at N500,000 with two sureties.
Ikwechegh, accused of assaulting a Bolt driver named Stephen Abuwatseya, appeared before Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id, where he pleaded not guilty to charges related to abuse of office, assault, and issuing threats.
Following his plea, Ikwechegh’s legal counsel made an oral application for bail, which was approved. The court stipulated that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide proof of residence.
A widely circulated video shows Ikwechegh allegedly slapping the driver multiple times while issuing threats, sparking widespread public condemnation. The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) denounced the incident, describing it as an abuse of power that highlights a troubling trend among some political officials.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, stated that Ikwechegh’s actions reflect a broader issue within the country’s political landscape, where public figures often misuse authority. He called for a thorough investigation by the House of Representatives to ensure accountability, warning against any attempt to dismiss the case once public attention wanes.
Nwanguma further highlighted that this incident exposes a culture of impunity, urging reforms that prioritize respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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