Kehinde Fajobi
House Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda has cautioned that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, could face “double tragedy” after being accused of assaulting an e-hailing driver in Abuja.
Chinda explained that Ikwechegh faces both a court trial and an internal House investigation for the incident, raising the potential for “double jeopardy.”
“Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda said during an interview on Channels Television’s Inside Sources.
“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and disciplined in the House.”
Chinda added that he had spoken with Ikwechegh, who expressed remorse and apologised to Nigerians.
However, Chinda was clear about the high standards expected of lawmakers: “They call us honourable members so we should be honourable within and outside the parliament. People should look up to us. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams, and people should look up to you in character and conduct.”
The controversy began in late October when Ikwechegh, representing Aba North and South for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), allegedly assaulted driver Stephen Abuwatseya.
The driver had delivered snails from a vendor to Ikwechegh’s residence but requested payment upon arrival.
The incident, recorded on video, shows Ikwechegh calling the vendor and criticising the driver, saying, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”
After ending the call, Ikwechegh slapped Abuwatseya twice.
Public outrage quickly spread, with many Nigerians calling for justice. Following the backlash, the police arrested Ikwechegh, who later issued a public apology to both Abuwatseya and Nigerians.
Last Wednesday, a Kuje Magistrates’ Court granted Ikwechegh bail of ₦500,000 after he pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threatening life. Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id adjourned the case to November 8 for further hearing.