A Magistrate Court sitting in Kuje, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has granted a member of the House of Representatives, Hon Alex Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South Federal Constituency a N500,000 bail over his assault of a Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
At the court on Wednesday, Ikwechegh, who had boasted that the Inspector general of Police cannot stop his assaulting the Bolt driver, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on abuse of office, assault and threat to life.
The charges were filed by the office of the Inspector General of Police following a petition by the Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya and when the charges were read to him, Hon Alex Ikwechgh pleaded not guilty to the First Information Report that the Nigeria Police Force entered against him before the court.
The lawmaker had come under severe criticisms after assaulting a Bolt driver who delivered a package to his residence Sunday night.
Ikwechegh later issued an apology to the Bolt driver Mr. Abuwatseya and Nigerians for his unwarranted behavior and promised to seek professional help for his anger management to ensure he behaves appropriately as a public official.
Following Ikwechegh’s (defendant) plea of innocence, the prosecution counsel, Mr. A. Umar, applied for a date for the commencement of hearing in the matter.
However, the defendant’s counsel made an oral application for his bail pending the determination of the case, saying that the charges against him were bailable offences.
The defendant’s lawyer said that Ikwechegh’s right to presumption of innocence was guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id said he was minded to accede to the defendant’s application for bail and accordingly. granted Ikwechegh bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in the like sum.
The court directed that the sureties must not only reside within its jurisdiction but also provide their utility bills as proof of residence.
The case was subsequently adjourned to November 8, 2024 for trial.
