The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have apprehended a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh for assaulting an e-hailing driver in Abuja.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Abuja Command, confirmed that Ikwechegh was arrested on Monday.
She said Ikwechegh is “at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning”.
The Police spokesperson explained in the statement that the cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, reported the matter to the Command, hence the lawmaker’s arrest.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident.
“After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the statement read.
The statement added that the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
A viral video circulated on social media by the cab driver indicated that the Abia lawmaker slapped him three times for asking him to come out of his house and collect his delivery.
The driver also alleged that the lawmaker refused to pay him for his services and that the legislator insulted and shredded his cloth in an attempt to seize his phone for recording him.
In the video, the lawmaker was heard lampooning the can driver for allegedly disrespecting a man of his status