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An e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, has submitted a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against House of Representatives member Alex Ikwechegh, alleging assault.

A video that circulated on social media depicts the lawmaker verbally and physically attacking the driver after Abuwatseya suggested that Ikwechegh come out to collect the snail he was meant to deliver.

In the footage, the visibly enraged representative for Aba North and South Federal Constituency expressed that the driver’s request was disrespectful due to his social status.

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Ikwechegh further threatened to make the driver “disappear” without repercussions.

When the driver asked for the delivery fee, the politician slapped him multiple times, questioning if the driver understood who he was speaking to.

The Nigeria Police Force has acknowledged the incident, and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has summoned the lawmaker for questioning.

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In a petition dated October 28, Abuwatseya, through his lawyer Marvin Omorogbe from Deji Adeyanju & Partners law firm, accused Ikwechegh of grievous assault, abuse of power, attempted murder, and threats to life.

He noted that not taking the food into the compound aligns with established protocols for e-hailing services and expressed disappointment at the lawmaker’s behavior.

The petition stated, “Our client is a bolt driver and a hard-working Nigerian citizen. It is our client’s information that at about 9pm on October 27, 2024, he was contracted by a vendor to deliver some food to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh at his residence in Maitama, Abuja.”

The petition continues, “Regrettably, upon getting to Hon. Ikwechegh’s residence, he requested that our client bring the food into his premises, contrary to the laid down policies regulating bolt drivers in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Our client politely refused the request and urged Hon. Ikwechegh to send someone to pick up the food outside the gate, as is customary with delivery services.”

In response to the driver’s refusal, the petition alleges, “Hon. Ikwechegh physically assaulted our client, tore his clothes, threatened to make him ‘disappear’ from Nigeria and repeatedly dared our client to call the Inspector General of Police, while threatening that nothing will happen to him.”

The petition also details how Ikwechegh allegedly caused Abuwatseya to be detained at the Maitama Police Station and had his car seized by the Investigative Police Officer.

It mentions that a video recording of the incident is attached for reference.

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Highlighting the lawmaker’s position, the petition argues, “As a serving member of the Federal House of Representatives, whose primary duties include making laws for the safety of Nigerians, we find Hon. Ikwechegh’s actions were totally distasteful and a threat to our client’s safety.”

The letter emphasizes the seriousness of the threats made, stating, “At a time when several Nigerians are increasingly being subjected to enforced disappearance by state and non-state actors, we particularly find Hon. Ikwechegh’s threat to cause our client’s disappearance as a national issue that deserves immediate investigation.”

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The petition concludes with a request: “It is in the light of the foregoing that we kindly request that you investigate the issues raised in this petition with a view to prosecuting Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh.”

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In response to a ministerial directive for beggars and scavengers to vacate the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), security forces executed a coordinated operation on Monday, leading to the arrest of 34 individuals—15 beggars and 19 scavengers.

Authorities stated that those apprehended will be taken to a rehabilitation center for vocational training, while individuals unwilling to engage in skill acquisition will be sent back to their home states.

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The operation involved personnel from various security agencies, including the Police, Military, Department of State Services (DSS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Olatunji Disu, labeled the initiative a “national assignment” and instructed operatives to remain professional yet firm in enforcing the ministerial orders.

“This operation will continue for the next two weeks, after which we will evaluate our progress and determine whether to extend it,” Disu noted.

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The Director of Security in the FCT Administration, Adamu Gwary, announced that operations would occur day and night to ensure effectiveness.

Four operational groups were established to cover key areas, including the city center, airport road, Kubwa axis, and surrounding neighborhoods such as Asokoro and Nyanya.

While no beggars were found in the city center—most having reportedly gone into hiding—15 beggars and 19 scavengers were apprehended in other locations.

Officials observed that many were alerted by the minister’s announcement, although some attempted to remain in the area.

Kaka Bello, head of enforcement at the Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEBP), emphasized that the operation aims not only to address begging and scavenging but also to eliminate other forms of urban nuisance, including roadside trading.

Dr. Sani Rabe, Director of Social Welfare for the FCT Administration, detailed the next steps for the arrested individuals.

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“Those willing to learn will be provided with training opportunities at a rehabilitation center in Kuchikon, Bwari Area Council, while those resistant to training will face repatriation to their states of origin.”

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Rev. Fr. Thomas Awhome Oyode has reportedly been kidnapped by armed assailants in Edo State.

The incident occurred at the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary School in Ivanokpodi, Agenegbode, on Sunday evening around 7 PM.

Witnesses say the attackers stormed the seminary, firing shots and ultimately abducting two students.

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The commotion drew the priest outside, where he discovered the students had been taken at gunpoint.

In a bid to save them, he pleaded with the kidnappers to release the students and take him instead, which they agreed to.

Local hunters, vigilantes, and military personnel initiated a search operation in the area but were reportedly ordered to stand down by the Catholic Bishop of Auchi to avoid escalating the situation with the kidnappers.

Edo State Command’s Spokesperson, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed that officers are on their way to the scene and will provide further updates as the situation develops.

Picture of Late Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, Popularly known as Igbo-Jah

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The Enugu State Police Command says the orderly room trial of Police Inspector, Ozonwanji Joseph, implicated in the murder of popular Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba, has been concluded.

According to a statement made available to DAILY GAZETTE by the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, “the Inspector was found culpable and received the maximum penalty of dismissal, followed by court prosecution in line with the Police Act and Regulations 2020.”

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“Accordingly, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 (covering Anambra and Enugu States’ Commands), approved the orderly trial recommendations to dismiss and prosecute the Inspector in court.”

“Hence, he has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force and was today, October 28, 2024, arraigned at the Enugu East Magistrate Court for the offence of murder.”

“The Chief Magistrate ordered the remand of the former officer in the Enugu Correctional Custodial Centre and the transmission of the case-file to the Attorney General of Enugu State for further judicial action. The trial was adjourned to November 12, 2024.”

“The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, once again, extends his condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the deceased, expressing gratitude to the government, people of Enugu State, and the public for their support throughout the case.”

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“CP Kanayo reemphasized that the Nigeria Police Force remains a disciplined government agency, assuring that under his leadership, the Command will continue to hold all erring officers accountable for their actions.” he said

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Oguejiofor Ujam, a professor of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has been kidnapped.

Prof. Ujam was reportedly abducted around 8am on Sunday along Ugwogo-Opi Nsukka Road.

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He hails from Akegbe-Ugwu in Nkanu West LGA, Enugu, and currently serves as the Director of General Studies at the University of Nigeria.

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More detail soon…