Court grants Reps member Ikwechegh N500,000 bail over assault

A magistrate court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted N500,000 bail to Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, following an assault of Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver.

Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), made headlines for slapping and hurling insults at Abuwatseya.

In a viral video, Ikwechegh is seen in a heated exchange with the driver whom he accused of disrespect for asking him to approach the car to receive his package.

The incident, which occurred on October 27 in the Maitama district of Abuja, sparked outrage on social media.

At the court on Wednesday, Ikwechegh was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on assault and threat to life.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges filed by the office of the inspector-general of police.

His counsel then made an oral application for his bail.

The magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted the application with the bail sum set at N500,000 and two sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and provide utility bills as proof of residence.

The case was adjourned to November 8, 2024.