The Nigeria Police Force has warned Nigerians to avoid using the Inspector-General’s name or office to intimidate others, saying this behavior could harm the impartiality the office stands for.
This statement came after a viral video surfaced, showing a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, verbally and physically assaulting a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja.
The incident, recorded on October 27, 2024, involved Ikwechegh, the representative of Aba North & South Federal Constituency.
WUZUP Nigeria has previously reported that Ikwechegh angered, had slapped and verbally attacked Abuwatseya, who had reportedly asked him to come outside to collect his delivery. Ikwechegh, a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, repeatedly threatened the driver, saying, “Do you know who I am? I can make this man disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”
He went on, saying, “I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money. I’m not calling my policemen to beat you; I’ll do it myself. I will show you I’m a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down, and put you in my generator house.”
Responding to the outcry, the Nigeria Police Force shared on its official X account that it is fully aware of the incident. The statement noted that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command is actively handling the case after the driver reported the matter at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
The police stated, “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh. The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters. The
Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds.”
