Alex Ikwechegh: Police were not happy I recorded assault video– Cab driver

A cab driver in Abuja, Stephen Abuwatseya, has alleged that he was assaulted and threatened by Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh, a House of Representatives member from Abia State.

The incident reportedly took place at Ikwechegh’s residence in the Maitama area, where Abuwatseya had gone to deliver a package.

The confrontation escalated quickly, with Ikwechegh allegedly threatening to make Abuwatseya “disappear,” physically assault him, and confine him in his generator house. Following the altercation, Abuwatseya was arrested and taken to the Maitama Police Station.

While in custody, Abuwatseya faced additional challenges. He reported that the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) at the station was angry about his decision to record the assault, further complicating his situation.

He recounted the events during a discussion with social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan. “I received a request from Bolt around 9 PM to pick up a package from a garden near Kado roundabout. When I arrived, the sender brought out a package containing snails. Upon reaching the house, I saw Ikwechegh seated a few meters from my car. I greeted him, but he didn’t respond, making me doubt he was the package owner.

“Suddenly, he started insulting me, asking if I was stupid or mad and demanding I hand over his package. I was taken aback by his tone because I was just doing my job. Upset, I replied that he should have picked it up himself, which only made him angrier.

“We were directed to file a report about the incident, and while I was speaking with the honorable on the phone, the IPO came out, stating he wanted to investigate the situation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama.

“They kept me behind the counter for over two hours without formally detaining me. When the IPO returned, he confronted me about recording the video. I asked if there was any law preventing me from recording, but he seemed threatening, so I felt it necessary to have evidence.

“They provided me with a form to fill out and write my statement. While I was doing so, the honorable arrived, shouting and insulting me. He referred to me as a common Bolt driver and a poor man. I told him that being poor doesn’t mean I can’t speak up as a Nigerian; I shouldn’t be treated like an outsider.

“I left the station around 3:00 AM, and my car is still at the station because they impounded it. The honorable was not detained.”