By In a recent development, the law firm Deji Adeyanju and Partners announced it would no longer represent Bolt driver Stephen Abuwatseya in his case involving an alleged assault by Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member for Aba North/South in Abia State. Activist Deji Adeyanju shared this update on X on Friday.
According to AfrikTimes Online, the incident occurred on October 28, 2024, when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had arrived to deliver a package. A viral video captured the altercation at Ikwechegh’s Maitama residence in Abuja, showing the lawmaker repeatedly slapping and insulting Abuwatseya, who had asked him to come outside to receive a package of snails. The incident sparked public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for an investigation.
After questioning at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Ikwechegh was arraigned at a Kuje Magistrates’ Court on charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life, and was granted bail of ₦500,000. The case was scheduled for a hearing on November 8, 2024.
However, on November 7, Abuwatseya released a video apologizing to Ikwechegh and expressing regret for provoking him, also seeking forgiveness from Nigerians.
On November 8, a statement signed by Zainab Otega from Deji Adeyanju and Partners confirmed the firm’s withdrawal from the case. Titled “Public Statement on the Alleged Assault on Mr Stephen Abuwatseya: Withdrawal of Legal Representation,” the statement cited the need to maintain the firm’s integrity as the reason for stepping down.
The statement read, “We formally announce our withdrawal of legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault on Mr Stephen Abuwatseya. Mr Abuwatseya initially approached our firm seeking redress over an alleged assault, and after verifying his claim, we took steps to protect his rights on a pro-bono basis, resulting in the arraignment of the alleged assailant. However, in light of recent developments, we have decided to withdraw to uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession.”
Meanwhile, Ikwechegh also issued a public apology on Instagram, expressing regret for his actions, which he admitted did not meet the standards expected of a public official. He extended apologies to Abuwatseya, the Nigerian Police, and the National Assembly, and shared that the two parties had reached a “mutual and respectful agreement” through alternative dispute resolution to settle the matter.
