A magistrate court in Kuje, Abuja, has granted Alex Ikwechegh, the federal lawmaker representing Aba North & South, bail of N500,000 after he was arraigned on charges related to the assault and threat to the life of an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. Ikwechegh pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police’s office.

During Wednesday’s hearing, his counsel requested bail, which Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai’id approved. The conditions include a bail sum of N500,000, with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The magistrate also required the sureties to provide utility bills as proof of residence. The case is adjourned until November 8, 2024.

The incident, recorded on video and widely circulated on social media, shows Ikwechegh slapping a Bolt driver who had delivered an item to him at his Abuja residence last Sunday evening. Following public outrage, the lawmaker was arrested, questioned, and subsequently issued a public apology for his actions on Tuesday.