Nigerian MP: Alex Ikwechegh Issues Apology After Viral Video Shows Him Slapping Driver

Nigerian Politician Issues Public Apology After Viral Video Shows Assault on Taxi Driver

Nigerian MP Alex Ikwechegh has publicly apologized following the circulation of a viral video showing him slapping and verbally abusing a taxi driver. In the video, Ikwechegh is seen engaging in a heated exchange with Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver who had delivered a food order to his residence in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. The incident, which drew widespread attention online, prompted a police inquiry on Sunday evening.

The altercation reportedly began over a disagreement regarding payment for the delivery of snails. In the video, Ikwechegh, visibly angered by Abuwatseya’s request that he come outside to collect his order, accuses the driver of disrespect. “So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me?” he asks, later adding, “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing would happen.” As tensions escalated, Ikwechegh continued berating the driver, questioning if he knew “who he was” and threatening, “I will beat you up… and lock you in my generator house.” When Abuwatseya informed him he was recording, the MP allegedly grabbed at the phone. The driver later claimed the politician had torn his shirt and slapped him a total of three times.

The incident, which has sparked public outrage, led to a statement from the police, who emphasized their commitment to an impartial investigation and discouraged using the inspector general’s name to intimidate others.

Ikwechegh responded with a formal apology, acknowledging his “unfortunate words and actions” and the potential damage they caused to the reputations of both the inspector general and the police force. He extended his “heartfelt apologies” to the House of Representatives, which has now referred the incident to its ethics committee for further review. In his apology, Ikwechegh described the episode as a “humbling reminder of the need for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging situations.” He added that he would use the experience to become a more empathetic representative.

He also noted that he and Mr. Abuwatseya have worked toward an “alternative dispute resolution” to settle their differences, reaching what he described as a “respectful resolution” to the matter.

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Source: BBC