The law firm Deji Adeyanju and Partners has announced its withdrawal from representing a Bolt driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who was allegedly assaulted by Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member representing Aba North/South of Abia State.....Read Full Article>>
Popular activist Deji Adeyanju shared this update on X on Friday.
According to a report by PUNCH Online, the incident occurred on October 28, 2024, when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had arrived to deliver a package to him.
A viral video captured the scuffle at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, showing the lawmaker repeatedly hitting and insulting Abuwatseya, who had asked Ikwechegh to come out to collect a parcel of snails meant for delivery.
The incident was widely condemned by Nigerians, who called for an investigation.
After an interrogation at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, a Kuje Magistrates’ Court granted Ikwechegh bail of ₦500,000. He was arraigned on three counts: abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. The case was adjourned until November 8, 2024, for a hearing.
However, in a video released to the press on Thursday, November 7, 2024, Abuwatseya apologised to Ikwechegh, expressing regret for provoking the lawmaker and asking Nigerians for forgiveness.
In a statement dated November 8, 2024, signed by Zainab Otega, Deji Adeyanju and Partners confirmed its withdrawal in a document titled “Public Statement on the Alleged Assault on Mr Stephen Abuwatseya: Withdrawal of Legal Representation,” explaining the decision as necessary to protect the firm’s integrity.
The statement read, “We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
“On October 28, 2024, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya approached our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault. Following his complaint, and after verifying his claim, we took steps to protect Mr Stephen Abuwatseya’s rights on a pro-bono basis, resulting in the arraignment of the alleged assailant.
“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have decided to withdraw our legal representation to protect our professional integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession.
“We wish Mr Stephen Abuwatseya the very best and assure the general public of our continued commitment to protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of society.”
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a post on Instagram, he apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force and the National Assembly, acknowledging that his actions fell short of the standards expected of a public official, regardless of any provocation involved.
Ikwechegh also shared that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, reaching a “mutual and respectful agreement” to resolve the matter.
An e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya has apologised to the House of Representatives member representing ABA North/South of Abia State in the National Assembly, Alex Ikwechegh who assaulted him after an altercation occurred during a package delivery.
In a video message issued to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya apologized for inciting Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also recommended everyone to get over the situation.
He stated, “Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.
“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.
“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
On October 28, the PUNCH reports that Ikwechegh assaulted the Bolt driver who went to deliver a package to him.
In a viral video, Abuwatseya captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.
The footage shows the visibly angry lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting the driver after the driver asked him to come outside to collect a package of snails meant for delivery.
Following the incident, Ikwechegh issued a public apology, acknowledging his actions and expressing regret over his behaviour during the altercation.
In a message posted on Instagram, the lawmaker apologised to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, admitting that his actions did not meet the standards expected of a public official, regardless of the provocation involved.
Ikwechegh shared that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, resulting in a “mutual and respectful agreement” between them.