Representative Alex Ikwechegh could face punishment from both the judiciary and parliament for his alleged assault on an e-hailing driver, according to House of Representatives Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda.
Speaking on Channels Television’s “Inside Sources with Laolu Akande,” Chinda revealed that while Ikwechegh is currently undergoing prosecution in court, he is simultaneously facing disciplinary proceedings within the House of Representatives. “He might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and disciplined in the House,” Chinda stated during the Sunday broadcast.
The incident, which occurred in late October in Abuja, gained national attention after a video surfaced showing Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), physically assaulting Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver. The confrontation stemmed from a dispute over the delivery of snails ordered by the lawmaker from a vendor.
In the widely circulated video, Ikwechegh was captured making threatening remarks during a phone conversation with the vendor: “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 recording then showed the lawmaker delivering two slaps to Abuwatseya’s face, while the driver maintained his composure throughout the assault.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation across Nigeria, with citizens demanding accountability for what many viewed as an abuse of power. The public outcry led to swift action from law enforcement, resulting in Ikwechegh’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.
Last Wednesday, the lawmaker appeared before the Kuje Magistrates’ Court, where he faced three counts of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, he was granted bail for ₦500,000, with the case adjourned to November 8 for further hearing.
Chinda, while acknowledging that his colleague has expressed remorse and issued a public apology to both the driver and Nigerians, emphasized the higher standard of conduct expected from elected officials. “I don’t think anybody will agree that that is a standard for parliamentarians,” he said. “They call us honourable members so we should be honourable within and outside the parliament. And people should look up to us. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams and people should look up to you in character and conduct.
The case has become a litmus test for accountability in Nigerian politics, particularly regarding the conduct of elected officials outside their official duties. The potential dual sanctions – from both the judiciary and the House’s disciplinary committee – could set a precedent for how similar cases of misconduct by public officials are handled in the future.
The incident has also drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by gig economy workers in Nigeria, particularly those in the e-hailing and delivery services sector. Abuwatseya’s composed response to the assault, despite the clear power imbalance in the situation, has earned him praise from many Nigerians who viewed his restraint as commendable.
As the legal proceedings continue and the House’s disciplinary committee deliberates, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for both political accountability and the protection of service workers in Nigeria. The incident serves as a reminder that public office comes with the responsibility to maintain dignified conduct, regardless of circumstances.
