ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- A House of Representatives member representing Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, was brought before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje on Wednesday.
Ikwechegh faces allegations of assaulting a Bolt driver, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya, at his residence in Abuja.
Appearing in court, Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the Nigerian Police Force.
The charges against him involve abuse of office, assault, and threats to life.
Following Ikwechegh’s plea, the prosecution counsel, Mr. A. Umar, requested a date for a full hearing on the case.
In response, the defense counsel submitted an oral request for the defendant’s release on bail, arguing that the allegations were bailable.
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They also noted that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, ensures Ikwechegh’s right to be presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id granted bail to the lawmaker, setting the bond at N500,000 with two sureties in the same amount.
The court specified that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case was adjourned to November 8 for trial.
Meanwhile, the incident leading to the charges was widely publicized after a video circulated on social media, showing Ikwechegh slapping the Bolt driver multiple tibbmes.
In the video making waves on the social media, Ikwechegh reportedly expressed frustration with the driver’s “rude behavior” and made a statement suggesting he could “make him disappear without a trace.”
The video sparked public backlash, prompting Ikwechegh to issue a public apology.
Mr. Deji Adeyanju, representing the Bolt driver, was among those present in court to observe the proceedings.