•The assaulted Bolt driver and the federal lawmaker
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a lawmaker for assaulting a driver in the nation’s capital.
The Frontier had earlier published a lead story of the inhuman action of the House of Representatives member and the reaction of Nigerians.
•The arrested federal lawmaker, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh
Police spokesperson for the Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that Alex Mascot Ikwechegh “is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning”.
In a statement today, the Command said the Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya reported the matter to the Command.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Mr. Abuwatseya was delivering a package to Hon. Ikwegh when a dispute arose concerning the method of delivery. During this altercation, Mr. Abuwatseya was reportedly physically assaulted.
“The FCT Police Command expresses grave concern over Hon. Ikwegh’s dismissive attitude toward the office of the Inspector General of Police following the incident. After allegedly slapping the victim, he reportedly remarked with contempt, ‘You can go ahead and call the Inspector General of Police,’ demonstrating a troubling disregard for the authority of law enforcement.
“Currently, the suspect is at the Maitama Police Station undergoing questioning,” the statement read.
The Command said the Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, has mandated a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The Command is committed to conducting an impartial investigation and ensuring justice in all cases. Upon completion of the investigation, appropriate legal action will be taken.”
The Frontier reports that the Nigerian incident followed a similar one in the United Kingdom when a lawmaker Mike Amesbury was captured in footage appearing to show him punching a man to the ground and then continuing to attack him.
It appeared to show the 55-year-old MP, who represents a parliamentary seat in northwest England, repeatedly hitting another man as others nearby shouted: “Stop it”.
Britain’s ruling Labour Party immediately suspended the lawmaker “pending an investigation”.
