FOR assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abutwaseya, the Nigeria Police Force charged a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh to court on Wednesday, October 30.

Ikwechegh was charged before a magistrate court in the Kuje area of the FCT where he was granted N500,000 bail.

He was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault and threat to life.

The charges were filed by the inspector general of police’s special investigation unit.

The ICIR reported that the lawmaker, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency of Abia State was seen assaulting and threatening a delivery Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in a video that went viral on Monday, October 28.

The legislator appeared visibly angry in the footage, engaging in a heated exchange with the driver before resorting to physical intimidation and vocal threats and eventually slapping him.

However, he later expressed regrets for slapping and threatening the bolt driver, tendering an apology in a statement titled “A Statement of Regret and Commitment to Justice.”

Ikwechegh acknowledged that his actions fell short of what was expected of a public servant.

He pledged to assist the police in their investigation of the attack.

“I want to assure the public that I am fully cooperating with the Nigerian Police investigation into this matter. I support their efforts to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable,” part of his statement read.

He regretted the embarrassment and harm caused to the Bolt driver, his constituents in Abia State, and Nigeria as a whole.

Meanwhile, the Police public relations officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who spoke with The ICIR on the issue said it did not make sense for people to use the name of the inspector general of police (IGP) to threaten others, noting that the lawmaker might not even have the direct contact of the IGP.

“It doesn’t make any sense for people to use the name if the IG to threaten or harass anybody. In the case of extortion, people will mention the IG’s name, even some officers do it.

“Like the case of the honourable, he may not even have the IGP’s number but he said that in anger and got arraigned. We don’t encourage Nigerians to harass, intimidate and extort,” he said.