Twist as assaulted Bolt driver apologises to Ikwechegh, lawyers withdraw to protect professional integrity 

Stephen Abuwatseya the Abuja Bolt driver, who was assaulted by Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, the lawmaker representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has taken Nigerians a back by apologising to his alleged abuser.

In a video, he blamed his provocative utterances for the misunderstanding with the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, lawmaker and sought the forgiveness of Nigerians, urging them to forget about the incident.

“Good day, Nigerians. My name is Stephen Abuwatseya. I had a misunderstanding with Rt. Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh a few days ago. I actually want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger,” Abuwatseya said.

“I want to tell Nigerians that it’s not time for us to start dividing ourselves based on religion, tribes, or regions. We should actually come together, see how we can unite this nation, and move it forward.

“Please, Nigerians, let’s forgive and forget, as it’s even contained in our Lord’s Prayer, that ‘Lord, please forgive us, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ For there is no justice without forgiveness. Thank you very much.”

Reacting to the apology, Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, Hundeyin, said: “Thank God he did not apologize in the police station or before the case went to court. We for hear am,” inferring that the police would have be wrongly accused of manipulating him.

Meanwhile, Deji Adeyanju and Partners the has withdrawn their legal representation to protect its professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.

Following Abuwatseya’s apology to the lawmaker,  the law firm in a statement signed by Zainab Ortega said: “We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye.

“On October 28, 2024, Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye walked into our law firm, visibly distressed, and sought redress over an alleged assault.

“Following his complaint, and having verified his claim, we took steps to protect Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye’s rights, on pro bono basis, culminating in the arraignment of the alleged assaulter.

“However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in other to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession.

“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of the society.”

Recall that Ikwechegh had on October 28, allegedly assaulted the Bolt driver when he came to deliver a package of snails to him at his residence in Abuja.

The assault was captured in a video where Ikwechegh also threatened to make the Bolt driver disappear from Nigeria.

The lawmaker was dragged before a Magistrate Court in Kuje area of the Federal Capital Territory but he pleaded not guilty after he had earlier apologised to Nigerians for the misconduct.