On Wednesday, Hon. Alex Ikwechegh Mascot, a member of the House of Representatives, was arraigned before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court situated at Kuje for allegedly assaulting a bolt driver at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The lawmaker, who is representing Aba North and South federal constituency in Abia State, pleaded not guilty to a First Information Report that the Nigerian Police Force entered against him before the court.
The charge against the lawmaker bordered on abuse of power, assault, and threat to life.
Meanwhile, after the Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty, the prosecution counsel, Mr. A. Umar, requested a date for a full-blown hearing to start in the matter.
His counsel made an oral application for his release on bail, pending the determination of the case.
The defendant argued that the charge against him contained minor offences, stating that his right to presumption of innocence was assured by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id held that he was minded to accede to the defendant’s application for bail.
However, he granted Ikwechegh bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the same sum.
The court emphasised that the sureties must not only live within its jurisdiction but also provide proof of residence, such as utility bills. The case was further adjourned to November 8th for trial.
Recalled that Alex Ikwechegh was captured in a video clip circulated online while repeatedly slapping a bolt driver identified as Stephen Abuwatseya.
Annoyed by what he described as the driver’s arrogant behaviour towards him, the federal lawmaker bragged that he could make him disappear without trace and nothing would happen.
Similarly, after facing widespread criticism that trailed his action and utterances, the lawmaker publicly apologised for his conduct.
Among those present in court on Wednesday to observe the proceedings was the counsel representing the bolt driver, who is the nominal complainant, Mr. Deji Adeyanju.
