Reps member, Ikwechegh docked, gets N500, 000 bail over alleged assault

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, was on Wednesday, docked before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Kuje for allegedly assaulting a bolt driver at his Abuja residence.

The charge against the defendant bordered on abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.

Meanwhile, following the defendant’s plea of innocence, the prosecution counsel, Mr. A. Umar, applied for a date for full-blown hearing to commence in the matter.

However, counsel to the defendant made an oral application for his release on bail, pending the determination of the case.

The defendant contended that the charge against him contained bailable offences, adding that his right to presumption of innocence was guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

It will be recalled that Hon. Ikwechegh was seen in a video clip that went viral on social media platforms, repeatedly slapping a bolt driver identified as Stephen Abuwatseya

Irked by what he described as the driver’s rude behaviour towards him, the federal lawmaker boasted that he could make him disappear without trace and nothing would happen.

However, following a widespread condemnation that trailed his action and utterances, the lawmaker tendered a public apology for his conduct.

Among those in court on Wednesday to witness the proceedings, included the counsel representing the bolt driver who is the nominal complainant, Mr. Deji Adeyanju.

It subsequently adjourned the matter to November 8 for trial.

(Vanguard)