A magistrate court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives, bail in the sum of N500,000 following his arraignment for allegedly assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), became the subject of widespread public criticism after a viral video showed him in a heated altercation with Abuwatseya on October 27 in the Maitama district of Abuja.
The lawmaker was seen slapping and verbally insulting the driver after accusing him of disrespect for asking Ikwechegh to approach the car to receive a package.
At the hearing on Wednesday, Ikwechegh was arraigned on a three-count charge, including assault and threat to life, brought by the office of the inspector-general of police. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His defense counsel made an oral application for bail, which the presiding magistrate, Abubakar Umar Sai’id, granted.
The bail was set at N500,000 with two sureties in the same amount. The magistrate stipulated that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide utility bills as proof of residence.
The case has been adjourned to November 8, 2024, for further proceedings.
