Assault Case: Alex Ikwechegh May Face Double Jeopardy, Warns Reps Minority Leader

Reps Minority Leader warns that Alex Ikwechegh could encounter double jeopardy in his ongoing assault case, raising concerns over legal procedures and implications. Discover the details of the case and the Minority Leader’s stance.

Kingsley Chinda, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, has stated that his colleague Alex Ikwechegh could face a “double tragedy” following an incident in which he allegedly assaulted e-hailing driver Stephen Abuwatseya in Abuja at the end of October.

“Currently, he is facing prosecution and appearing at the Magistrate Court. Additionally, the House has referred him to the disciplinary committee regarding this matter,” Chinda stated during Sunday’s episode of Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels Television.

He might potentially face double jeopardy if he is both prosecuted and disciplined in the House.

Chinda mentioned that he has spoken with his colleague, who expressed remorse and apologized to Nigerians.

“In essence, I doubt anyone would agree that this is the standard for parliamentarians. We are referred to as honourable members and should uphold that honor both inside and outside of parliament. As public office holders, similar to pastors or imams, we must set an example in character and conduct for people to look up to,” he stated.

Ikwechegh serves as the representative for Aba North & South Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber, under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

An irate Ikwechegh was overheard talking to the vendor on the phone while his driver listened in. “How can this fool expect me to go meet him in his car just to collect a snail I’m purchasing from you? I have the power to make sure he vanishes across Nigeria without any consequences,” the lawmaker exclaimed angrily.

Following a phone call with the snail vendor, Ikwechegh turned to Abuwatseya and delivered two slaps across the driver’s cheeks. Despite this assault, the driver remained composed throughout.

Numerous Nigerians demanded justice, leading to the police arresting and prosecuting the lawmaker who has subsequently issued a public apology to both the driver and fellow citizens.

Last Wednesday, a Magistrates’ Court in Kuje granted bail to Ikwechegh for ₦500,000. He had been arraigned on three charges: abuse of office, assault, and threat to life. Upon hearing the charges, he pleaded not guilty.

The case has been adjourned by Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’d to November 8 for a hearing.