Bolt Driver Assaulted by Nigerian Lawmaker, Sparking Outrage and Demands for Justice

Maryam Aminu

In a troubling display of power abuse, Mr. Alex Ikwechegh, a Nigerian House of Representatives member, faces national outrage and legal scrutiny following his assault on a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja.

The assault, which took place on October 27, 2024, was captured in a viral video, showing Mr. Ikwechegh slapping the driver and ordering his arrest a move many see as a blatant misuse of power and authority.

The incident reportedly began when Mr. Abuwatseya, arriving to deliver a package, requested Mr. Ikwechegh to come to the vehicle.

The lawmaker, incensed by this “disrespect,” refused to pay for the service, verbally berated the driver, and falsely identified himself as a “Federal Senator” with unchecked influence. When Mr. Abuwatseya began recording, Mr. Ikwechegh slapped him multiple times, subsequently arranging for police to arrest the driver and impound his car on fabricated charges of assault.

Civil society organizations have rallied in support of Mr. Abuwatseya, condemning the assault and calling for Mr. Ikwechegh to be held accountable.

A coalition of over 80 groups, including Amnesty International Nigeria, CISLAC, and BudgIT, issued a joint statement demanding Mr. Ikwechegh’s suspension and prosecution, emphasizing the constitutional principle that no citizen, regardless of status, should be above the law.

The Nigerian Police confirmed Mr. Ikwechegh’s arrest and reported that he issued a brief apology.

However, activists and citizens alike argue that an apology does not suffice.

The coalition noted that Mr. Ikwechegh’s failure to address Mr. Abuwatseya by name in his apology shows a persistent disregard for the dignity of ordinary citizens.

His reference to Mr. Abuwatseya as merely “the driver” further highlights the class divide that fuels such abuses.

The coalition also raised concerns over the culture of impunity that enables public officials to act with little fear of repercussions.

“This case is a painful reminder of the power imbalances within Nigeria’s justice system,” their statement read, stressing the need for comprehensive reforms to protect citizens’ rights.

In response to the widespread condemnation, the coalition demands the following actions:
Prosecution of Mr. Ikwechegh adding that the Nigerian Police and Ministry of Justice must ensure due process in prosecuting Mr. Ikwechegh, without preferential treatment.

They demanded the immediate Suspension of Mr. Ikwechegh by the House of Representatives pending the investigation’s outcome, underscoring that failure to do so would imply tacit approval of his actions.

The CSOs added that Authorities must safeguard Mr. Abuwatseya against any form of intimidation, ensuring he can pursue justice unimpeded.

They further called for the Investigation by the National Human Rights Commission to monitor the case, ensuring no undue influence interferes with the legal proceedings.

This incident has spotlighted issues of accountability in Nigeria’s government and judiciary, with advocates warning that unless the rule of law is enforced universally, similar abuses will continue.

As the story unfolds, Nigerian citizens and civil society await decisive action from the government to address the systemic injustices fueling this crisis.