Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver, has shared his story following an alleged assault by Nigerian lawmaker Alexander Mascot Ikwechegh in the Maitama area of Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 27, also involved Abuwatseya's arrest by police officers after he recorded the encounter.
Abuwatseya, originally from Delta State, recounted the events to social critic Martins Otse, also known as Very Dark Man. According to him, it all began with a seemingly routine Bolt request in Maitama. Although he was about to end his shift, he accepted the trip, where he was to pick up a package labeled as "snail" from a garden. He picked up the package from a woman and proceeded to the client’s address.
Upon arrival, Abuwatseya called Ikwechegh to notify him of his arrival. Initially directed to hand the package to a security guard, Abuwatseya was then told to park near a specific car. After parking, he noticed a man seated nearby but did not realize it was Ikwechegh. When he dialed the client’s number, Ikwechegh began hurling insults, asking, “Are you stupid? Are you mad? Bring my stuff for me.”
Abuwatseya responded calmly, noting that he was only fulfilling his professional duty, but suggested that Ikwechegh retrieve the package himself. This request reportedly infuriated the lawmaker further, who demanded, “Do you know who you are talking to?”
After Abuwatseya filmed part of the encounter, Ikwechegh allegedly summoned police officers, who took Abuwatseya to the Maitama Police Station. Despite his attempts to explain, Abuwatseya claims he was not allowed to make calls or provide his side of the story. Instead, he was detained until 3 a.m. the following morning, and his vehicle was impounded.
