A viral video showing Alex Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver has sparked outrage across social media. The incident reportedly took place on Sunday in Maitama, Abuja, where the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, had arrived at Ikwechegh’s residence to deliver a package. The dispute escalated when Ikwechegh took offense at the driver’s request to come outside to collect the delivery, which included a package of snails.
In the footage, Ikwechegh, visibly angered, can be seen repeatedly slapping and verbally berating Abuwatseya, claiming the driver’s request was disrespectful. The representative for Aba North & South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) openly threatened the driver, stating he could “make [him] disappear” without any consequences. “Do you know who I am?” he demanded. “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”
Ikwechegh’s words, captured on video, included threats to have the driver restrained and held in a generator house if he continued to act “disrespectfully.” The politician also refused to pay the delivery fee, instead boasting about his status: “My name is Honourable Alex Ikwechegh, tell them I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police that I slapped you.”
The altercation has prompted widespread criticism, with viewers condemning the lawmaker’s actions and calls for a full investigation. This incident adds to a complicated political history for Ikwechegh, who assumed his role as a representative after the National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal in Umuahia ordered the dismissal of former Labour Party representative Emeka Nnamani in September 2023. Nnamani’s disqualification stemmed from accusations of certificate forgery, clearing the way for Ikwechegh, who had placed second in the 2023 election, to take office.
The situation has resurfaced details from a past legal case involving Nnamani. The Appeal Court, in a 2015 judgment, had ruled that Nnamani was ineligible to contest due to issues with his party registration and directed the police to investigate his alleged certificate forgery. Though Nnamani disputed these accusations and cited clerical issues within the University of Port Harcourt, where he had claimed to graduate, the ruling ultimately affected his political standing.
Meanwhile, Ikwechegh’s recent conduct has drawn renewed attention to the standards expected of public officials. Amid mounting public outcry, advocacy groups are calling for a formal inquiry into the incident, with many urging the House of Representatives to enforce accountability for behavior that undermines public trust.
