The Nigeria Police Force has urged Nigerians not to misuse the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intimidate others.
The police emphasized that invoking the IG’s authority in such a manner could compromise the office’s commitment to impartiality in the country.
This caution came through a post on the Force’s official X.com handle on Monday, in response to an incident involving a member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, who allegedly assaulted an e-hailing (Bolt) driver, Stephen Abuwatseya.
According to reports, a viral video shows the lawmaker verbally and physically assaulting the driver for asking him to step outside to collect the package, a delivery of snails.
In the footage, the visibly angry representative of Aba North & South Federal Constituency repeatedly claimed that the driver’s request was disrespectful due to his social status.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance member further threatened to make the driver “disappear” without repercussions. When the driver asked for the delivery fee, the lawmaker slapped him multiple times, questioning if the driver knew whom he was addressing.
The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja. The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the… pic.twitter.com/BUwAtFAzlT
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) October 28, 2024
He said, “Do you know who I am? I can make this man (driver) disappear from the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money.
“I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will do that myself. I will show you that I am a big brother. I will tie you up, lie you down and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Because you saw me sitting outside here. Look at this monkey.”
In the X post, the Force stated that it is aware of the incident which happened on Sunday and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command is handling the case following the driver’s official report.
The post reads, “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the incident between a Bolt driver, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya, and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh, which took place on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja. The FCT Command is actively handling the case following Mr. Abuwatseya’s official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters.
“The Police Force also urges the public to refrain from using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as such actions undermine the values of impartiality that the IGP’s office upholds.”