October 30, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
A member of the House of Representatives from Abia, Alex Ikwechegh,, has been granted bail in the amount of N500,000 by a Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja.
This comes after Ikwechegh was involved in an altercation with Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, on October 27 in the Maitama district of Abuja.
Ikwechegh, who is a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), was caught on video slapping and insulting Abuwatseya, sparking widespread outrage on social media.
The incident began when Abuwatseya asked Ikwechegh to approach the car to receive his package, which Ikwechegh perceived as disrespectful.
During his arraignment on Wednesday, Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge of assault and threat to life filed by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.
His counsel subsequently applied for bail, which was granted by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id.
The bail conditions stipulate that Ikwechegh must provide two sureties, each residing within the court’s jurisdiction, and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case has been adjourned until November 8, 2024.
Interestingly, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has stated that Ikwechegh will not be suspended, despite calls for disciplinary action.
Instead, the matter will be referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privilege for further investigation.
