The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has detained House of Representatives member Alex Mascot Ikwechegh following his alleged assault on a Bolt driver during a heated dispute over a snail delivery in Abuja.
Police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed that Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), “is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning” after the victim, Stephen Abuwatseya, filed a formal complaint.
The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the lawmaker slapping the driver twice at his residence on Sunday evening. During the confrontation, Ikwechegh was heard making threatening statements: “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 altercation escalated when Abuwatseya requested payment for the delivery. Ikwechegh responded aggressively: “You will not get a penny from me with this level of disrespect. You will suffer, I will deal with you.”
When the driver acknowledged the assault by asking, “Are you slapping me, sir?” the lawmaker brazenly replied, “I just did, slap me back. How dare you?” When further questioned about the number of slaps, Ikwechegh threatened: “Twice, you will soon receive the third one.”
Upon being informed that the incident was recorded, the lawmaker defiantly stated: “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.”
The police statement particularly noted Ikwechegh’s “dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.” FCT Police Commissioner Olatunji Disu has ordered a thorough investigation, with the Command stating: “Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Nigerians demanding justice. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called for immediate investigation by both the police and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
This incident bears striking similarities to a recent case in the United Kingdom, where Labour MP Mike Amesbury was captured on video allegedly punching a man to the ground. The 55-year-old northwest England representative was immediately suspended by his party pending investigation.
Neither Ikwechegh nor the House of Representatives has issued an official statement regarding the incident, which continues to generate significant public outrage over the apparent abuse of power by elected officials.
