The incident in question drew public outrage when a video surfaced in October 2024
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Mascot Ikwechegh, who became popular for assaulting a Bolt driver in his Abuja residence, has broken his silence on the viral October 2024 incident.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s breakfast show on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the lawmaker revealed that he has reconciled with the driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, and the matter is now behind him.
“The incident was unfortunate,” Ikwechegh, who represents Aba North and South Federal Constituency under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), admitted. “But I see it as an opportunity for growth. Today, the young man and I are friends. The case went to court, but it was dismissed for lack of merit. We’ve moved on.”
Ikwechegh addressed the viral video that showed him angrily confronting and striking the driver while making threatening remarks. “That video captured a low moment for me. I felt the sanctity of my home was being violated. What people saw was just one part of the story—actions pre-empt reactions. But that does not define who I am,” he explained.
He further stated that the experience has helped him foster new relationships. “I’ve become close to the young man’s bishop and pastor, and I’ve gained a number of new friends from this. Nigerians now jokingly refer to me as ‘the man who makes things disappear,’ but for me, it’s in the past. We’ve moved on.”
The incident in question drew public outrage when a video surfaced in October 2024 showing Ikwechegh berating and assaulting Abuwatseya. In the video, he was heard threatening the driver, saying, “Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear.”
Despite the backlash, the lawmaker insists the episode is behind him, emphasising it has been a learning experience.