A Nigerian lawmaker faces backlash after a viral video purportedly shows him assaulting an Uber driver in Abuja, igniting debates on misuse of power and public accountability.
A video circulating online allegedly shows Honorable Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, assaulting an Uber driver during a delivery at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.
Ikwechegh, the representative of Aba North and South Federal Constituency for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is embroiled in a mounting controversy as the video circulates widely on social media platforms.
The incident is said to have occurred when the Uber driver delivered items, believed to be snails, to Ikwechegh’s residence.
Reports indicate that the confrontation started when the driver declined to bring the delivery inside the lawmaker’s home. Instead, he requested Ikwechegh to retrieve the items directly from his car. This request appeared to heighten tensions, resulting in a heated altercation.
In the video, Ikwechegh angrily confronts the driver and makes threatening remarks. He is heard saying, “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear in Nigeria and nothing will happen,” highlighting his status as a member of the House of Representatives.
At one point, the lawmaker is alleged to have struck the driver. In a later section of the footage, the driver appears shirtless in his car, asserting that Ikwechegh ripped his clothing during their confrontation.
This incident has ignited widespread outrage on social media, with numerous Nigerians calling for accountability and justice.
Citizens have urged the appropriate authorities to look into the issue and take action regarding the lawmaker’s behavior, as maintaining public trust in elected officials remains a significant concern.
@MayJaYBaE commented: “He threatened to make the person disappear in Nigeria with no repercussions, all over asking him to collect something. He thought he was disrespected because of a simple request for courtesy like bringing an item inside the house. He expected just a regular Bolt driver to pander to him—it’s ridiculous classism.”
ChuksOhaxx tweeted: “God has really blessed this guy. He should get a good lawyer and sue that man already. This is a life-changing opportunity with evidence. Haha.”
@Seankleann commented: “Even if he files an assault lawsuit, given that the assailant is a member of the House of Representatives, I doubt @PoliceNG will handle this case justly. I’m skeptical about any outcome favoring that Uber driver—do you know why? Because he’s considered insignificant. Just watch as the issue gets ignored.”
@HeDontMakeNoise said: “I will make you disappear and nothing will happen”—what??? This could be enough to permanently damage his political career, but… You can already see some Nigerians who seem so enamored with their constraints trying to justify these disgraceful actions.
Bolt, a widely-used ride-hailing platform in Nigeria, has not made any public statements regarding the incident involving one of its drivers.
Neither the House of Representatives nor the APGA leadership has released any statements concerning Ikwechegh’s actions, who was elected to represent his constituency in Abia State.
