Stop using IG’s name to intimidate others- Police

The Nigeria Police Force has issued a warning to the public against using the name or office of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to intimidate others. They emphasized that such actions could undermine the impartiality that the office represents.

In a statement posted on their official X.com account on Monday, the police addressed a recent incident involving an e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, who was reportedly assaulted by House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh. A viral video circulating on social media shows Ikwechegh verbally and physically confronting the driver after he was asked to come out and collect a delivery of snails.

In the video, the visibly irate lawmaker, representing Aba North & South Federal Constituency, expressed his frustration at the driver’s request, claiming it was disrespectful due to his status. He threatened the driver, suggesting he could make him “disappear” without repercussions. When the driver asked for his delivery fee, Ikwechegh slapped him multiple times and questioned whether the driver understood who he was dealing with.

“I can make this man (the driver) vanish from Nigeria, and nothing will happen. Can you believe this? I will ensure you get nothing from me,” he said. “I could call my policemen to handle this, but I’ll do it myself. I’ll show you who’s in charge. I’ll tie you up and put you in my generator house. Do you know where you are? Just because you saw me here, you think you can disrespect me.”

In their post, the Police Force acknowledged the incident that occurred on October 27, 2024, in Maitama, Abuja, and confirmed that the Federal Capital Territory Police Command is currently investigating it following the driver’s official report.

The statement read, “The Nigeria Police Force is aware of the altercation involving Bolt driver Mr. Stephen Abuwatseya and Hon. Alexander Ikwegh. The FCT Command is actively addressing the matter based on Mr. Abuwatseya’s report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters. We also urge the public to avoid using the name or office of the Inspector-General of Police to intimidate others, as it compromises the impartiality that the IGP’s office is meant to uphold.”