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Tag: Alex Mascot Ikwechegh

  • Lawmaker gets N500,000 bail on charges of assault, threat to life

    Lawmaker gets N500,000 bail on charges of assault, threat to life

    • Matter adjourned to Nov 8

    • Expert urges psychological, drug tests for NASS members

    A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, was docked at the Chief Magistrate Court Kuje, Abuja yesterday with charges of assault and threat to life against a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a matter instituted against him by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North/South Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    He was granted bail to the tune of N500, 000 by the Presiding Judge, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, who adjourned the matter to November 8 after the lawmaker pleaded not guilty.

    His counsel, Ody Esq, made an oral application for bail, which was granted by the judge with the following conditions: bail set at 500,000 Naira, with two sureties in like sum.

    The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence, the court directed.

    Meanwhile, President, African Council on Narcotics (ACON), Rekpene Bassey, has stressed the need for psychological and illicit drug abuse tests for members of the National Assembly.

    Read Also: FULL LIST: Nigeria’s 28 Chiefs of Army Staff since 1966

    The security and drug prevention expert said in light of recent disturbing incidents involving members of the National Assembly, it has become imperative to introduce stringent measures that ensure the integrity and mental well-being of the country’s legislative representatives.

    Bassey said the alarming behavior exhibited by Ikwechegh, underscored a critical issue that must be addressed urgently.

    He said this incident, coupled with public allegations by Senator Kawu Sumaila of Kano South regarding the involvement of some National Assembly members in illicit drug use, highlights the necessity for comprehensive pre-election psychological evaluations and illicit drug abuse tests.

    “Such measures are essential to ascertain the mental fitness and moral rectitude of those who hold public office, ensuring they are capable of serving with the integrity and responsibility that the Nigerian people deserve,” he said.

  • PHOTO: Abia Reps member Ikwechegh arraigned for assault, gets N500,000 bail

    PHOTO: Abia Reps member Ikwechegh arraigned for assault, gets N500,000 bail

    A member of the House of Representatives Alex Mascot Ikwechegh was docked at the Chief Magistrate Court Kuje, Abuja on Wednesday with charges of assault and threat to life against a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a matter instituted against him by the Inspector General of Police.

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North/South Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

  • Abia Reps member Ikwechegh arraigned for assault, gets N500,000 bail

    Abia Reps member Ikwechegh arraigned for assault, gets N500,000 bail

    A member of the House of Representatives Alex Mascot Ikwechegh was docked at the Chief Magistrate Court Kuje, Abuja on Wednesday with charges of assault and threat to life against a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a matter instituted against him by the Inspector General of Police.

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North/South Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    He was however granted N500, 000 bail by the Presiding Judge, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, who adjourned the matter to November 8 after the lawmaker pleaded not guilty.

    His counsel, Ody Esq, made an oral application for bail, which was granted by the judge with the following conditions: bail set at N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. 

    Read Also: Reps to investigate Rep, Ikwechegh over alleged assault on Bolt driver

    The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence, the Court directed.

    Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) representing Aba North and South federal constituency, last Sunday assaulted a bolt driver who he accused of disrespecting him. 

    He slapped the driver three times and threatened he could make him disappear any where in Nigeria without anything happening. 

  • Bolt driver drags Abia Rep member to court for assault

    Bolt driver drags Abia Rep member to court for assault

    A Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has dragged a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, to court for assault.

    Abuwatseya’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the matter would be prosecuted by the Inspector General of Police Special Investment Unit at the Kuje Magistrate Court in Abuja.

    A statement by Adeyanju reads: “We are on our way to Kuje Magistrate Court for the arraignment of the honourable member who assaulted our client, Mr, Steven, a bolt driver. The IGP’s SPECIAL INVESTIGATION UNIT (SIU) is Incharge of the investigation and prosecution. The media is invited to cover the arraignment which is scheduled for 12pm today at Kuje Magistrate.”

    Ikwechegh was recently caught on camera assaulting the Bolt driver.

    The development sparked outrage with many calling for his suspension, lamenting the behaviour was unbecoming of a lawmaker.

    A viral video showed Ikwechegh slapping the Bolt driver who delivered an item to the lawmaker in his Abuja residence. The incident happened last Sunday evening.

    From the video, it was gathered the legislator was upset the driver requested that he comes outside to collect the item.

    Read Also: Reps to investigate Rep, Ikwechegh over alleged assault on Bolt driver

    This development infuriated the lawmaker who descended on the hapless driver with vitriolic invectives and slaps.

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    The lawmaker has issued a public apology over the matter.

  • House refers Abia Rep member to Ethics Committee for assaulting bolt driver

    House refers Abia Rep member to Ethics Committee for assaulting bolt driver

    The House of Representatives on Tuesday directed its Committee on Ethics and Privilege to investigate the assault by one of its members, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, of a bolt driver on Sunday with rules of the House. 

    The directive of the House stemmed from a matter of privilege by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonbvere, informing members of the disgraceful act which he said affected the image of the House. 

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary, said even though the affected lawmaker has tendered a touchy apology, the rules of the House must be allowed to prevail. 

    Read Also: I am sorry, says Abia Reps member who assaulted Bolt driver

    Kalu said there has been serious pressure on the Parliament to act in a particular way, adding that the House can only act within the confines of its rules, adding that the House rules provide that such issues be investigated and the principle of fairness and justice allowed to prevail. 

    He said it will be wrong to pronounce any judgement without first hearing from the parties involved and direct the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks. 

    In moving his matter of privilege, the House Leader said he has been inundated with calls and text messages about the assault on the driver by the lawmaker

  • JUST IN: Police arrest Abia lawmaker for assaulting bolt driver

    JUST IN: Police arrest Abia lawmaker for assaulting bolt driver

    The Police in Abuja have arrested a member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South federal Constituency, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh for allegedly assaulting a bolt driver and threatening to make him disappear. 

    The Abia lawmaker was caught on a viral video assaulting the driver sent to deliver an order to him his Abuja residence. 

    The first time lawmaker, elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was also heard on the video telling a woman on phone that he can make the driver disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. 

    He further threatened to deal with the driver, after slapping him three times, saying he will not pay for disrespecting him.

    Confirming the incident, the Police said on its X handle that the incident was reported at its Maitama Divisional headquarters by the driver,  Stephen Abuwatseya. 

    Read Also: Abia lawmaker mum on assault of Bolt driver

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command said in a statement that it has taken the lawmaker into custody for questioning. 

    A statement on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh,  said Ikwechegh was invited for questioning over the casem

    The incident occurred on October 27 at a residence on Zamfara Crescent, Maitama, Abuja.

    The police said preliminary investigations indicate that aAbuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. 

    The statement said the FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

    The police spokesperson said: “During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.

    “The FCT Police Command has received a report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters regarding an incident involving a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, who represents the Aba North and South Federal Constituency in Abia State.

    “The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, “You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,” demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.

    “Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning.

    “Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter. The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken”.

  • Abia lawmaker mum on assault of Bolt driver

    Abia lawmaker mum on assault of Bolt driver

    A member of the House of Representatives Alex Mascot Ikwechegh caught on camera assaulting a bolt driver has kept mum over the incident.

    The development sparked outrage with many calling for his suspension, saying his behaviour was unbecoming as a lawmaker.

    Many Nigerians expect the issue would be raised on the floor of the House and addressed as plenary resumes on Tuesday.

    Read Also: Police confirm assault of bolt driver by Abia lawmaker

    “The lawmaker must be suspended or worse. How can someone who calls himself a representative of the people behave in such manners towards a poor young man who was just working for his daily bread? Such arrogance and insensitivity really makes us Nigerians lose faith in our leaders particularly those in the National Assembly.

    “That lawmaker must publicly apologise and be made the face the consequence of his action. It is really sad how our leaders lack empathy,” an Abuja resident, Dan Ese, told our reporter.

    A viral video showed Ikwechegh slapping a Bolt driver who delivered an item to the lawmaker in his home in Abuja. The incident happened on Sunday evening.

    From the video it was gathered that the legislator was upset that the driver requested that he comes outside to collect the item.

    This development infuriated the lawmaker who descended on the hapless driver with vitriolic invectives and slaps.

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    Efforts to reach the lawmaker failed as he did not take calls or respond to messages.

  • JUST IN: Outrage as Reps member assaults bolt driver

    JUST IN: Outrage as Reps member assaults bolt driver

    A viral video has shown a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, slapping a Bolt driver in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

    Ikwechegh represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

    The video, which was seen by our reporter, has sparked outrage on social media platforms.

    Going by the conversation recorded in the viral video, the lawmaker ordered some snails from a vendor who engaged the services of the e-hailing App driver to deliver the goods.

    According to the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, tensions escalated when he requested that Ikwechegh come outside to receive his delivery personally and asked to be paid.

    In the video, the lawmaker repeatedly insisted that the request was disrespectful given his social status.

    A furious Ikwechegh was heard speaking with the vendor on the phone. “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 lawmaker blurted to the speaker on the other side.

    After the phone conversation with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh faced Abuwatseya and said, “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”

    Read Also: Abia lawmaker assaults bolt driver, threatens to make him disappear

    “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.

    “I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey,” he said.

    The lawmaker fulfilled his threat and landed two slaps on the driver who maintained composure in the face of the assault.

    To capture that he had been slapped, the Bolt driver asked, “Are you slapping me, sir?”

    “I just did, slap me back. How dare you?” the lawmaker angrily retorted.

    “Do you slap me thrice sir?”

    “Twice, you will soon receive the third one.”

    When alerted that the episode was recorded, the lawmaker told the driver: “My name is Honourable Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, I am a member of the House of Reps, tell them. Call the Inspector General of Police, let him come.”

    Ikwechegh and the House of Representatives have not released a statement on the incident but many Nigerians online have demanded that justice be served in the matter.

    The video sparked widespread outrage across social media, with calls for accountability and justice.

    On X, formerly Twitter, @ndidi_patricia wrote: “He’s talking about disrespect, yet he was the one being disrespectful, to the guy, assault and calling him all sorts of names just because the driver couldn’t enter his house to deliver the package, which i think is outside Bolt’s jurisdiction. What can we call this type of behavior?? Akanekwu osi do you know who I be ?”

    @Franksvics said: “How long enough before we realise we have to do something about these politicians, there’s no hope for the common man. until them done begin use citizen skulls drink water na our eye go open…”

    @ayo_omooba stated: “The Rep man of Nigeria’s House of Representatives Aba North and South, Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, have a troubling history, as he brazenly claimed he could make a Bolt driver disappear. This statement raises serious concerns.”

    @ayo_omooba wrote: “Nigeria Police should conduct a thorough investigation into Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh potential involvement with missing persons.”