Nigeria now knows me as man who makes things disappear- Abia lawmaker

Alex Ikwechegh, a member of the House of Representatives who represents ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, has joked that his altercation with a Bolt driver in Abuja in October 2024 greatly increased his recognition among Nigerians. Ikwechegh assaulted Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing driver, following an altercation that occurred during a package delivery.

The altercation has earned Ikwechegh the nickname "the man that makes things disappear," he continued.

In an appearance on Channels Television's Sunrise Daily program on Tuesday, the politician made this claim, stating that he has gotten past the event and has developed a friendly relationship with the e-hailing driver.

Although what transpired was regrettable, I saw it as a chance to develop a personal relationship with the young man. We are pals today. I was brought before the court, but it dismissed my case after finding no merit.

"Everyone watched the video, which was a depressing time. My home's sanctity seemed to be being violated. People don't know what happened before that reaction, thus the portion of the video that you saw was the one that people saw. Actions precede reactions, as they say.

However, what anyone has observed does not represent who I am. I've spent a lot of time in public, and there have never been any scandal about me. However, the young man is my friend now and I am very close to his bishop, his pastor and I’ve made a bunch of new friends and today the whole of Nigeria now knows me as the man that makes things disappear. We’ve moved on, it’s in the past now,” he stated.

On October 28, Ikwechegh assaulted the Bolt driver who had gone to deliver a package to him.

A viral video recorded by Abuwatseya captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

The footage showed the visibly upset lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver requested that he come outside to collect a package of snails meant for delivery.

In the aftermath of the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, expressing regret for his actions.

Additionally, Ikwechegh disclosed that he and Abuwatseya had reached what he called a "mutual and respectful agreement" through alternative dispute resolution.

After the attack, Ikwechegh was charged and given ₦500,000 bail by a Kuje Magistrates' Court.

Ikwechegh was charged with three counts: assault, threat of death, and misuse of office.

The accusations are related to claims made by the Inspector General of Police that he attacked Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, outside of his Abuja home.

To the accusations, the politician entered a not guilty plea. Ikwechegh's attorney requested bail orally after he entered his plea, and Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai'id granted it with some restrictions.

But in a surprising development, the Bolt driver publicly apologised to the congressman, saying that he was sorry for