The law firm Deji Adeyanju and Partners recently announced it will no longer represent Stephen Abuwatseya, a Bolt driver who alleged that he was assaulted by Alex Ikwechegh, the House of Representatives member for Aba North/South in Abia State.

According to a report by The Punch, this update was shared on X by prominent activist Deji Adeyanju.

According to PUNCH Online, the incident happened on October 28, 2024, when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had arrived to deliver a package.

Video footage of the altercation at Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja, shows the lawmaker slapping and insulting Abuwatseya after the driver asked him to come outside to collect a delivery of snails.

The incident stirred public outrage, with many Nigerians calling for a full investigation.

Following an inquiry at the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, a Kuje Magistrates’ Court granted Ikwechegh ₦500,000 bail.

He was charged with abuse of office, assault, and making threats, with a hearing scheduled for November 8, 2024.

In a video on November 7, 2024, Abuwatseya apologized to Ikwechegh, expressing remorse for any provocation and asking Nigerians for forgiveness.

The following day, Deji Adeyanju and Partners issued a statement, signed by Zainab Otega, formally withdrawing from the case.

The document, titled “Public Statement on the Alleged Assault on Mr Stephen Abuwatseya: Withdrawal of Legal Representation,” explained that this decision was made to “protect the firm’s integrity.”

The statement reads, “We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseya… Following his complaint, and after verifying his claim, we took steps to protect Mr Stephen Abuwatseya’s rights on a pro-bono basis, resulting in the arraignment of the alleged assailant… However, in view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have decided to withdraw our legal representation to protect our professional integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession.”

Ikwechegh has since issued a public apology on Instagram, expressing regret over his actions during the altercation.

He apologized to the Bolt driver, the Nigerian Police Force, and the National Assembly, acknowledging that his behavior fell short of the standards expected of a public official.

Ikwechegh also noted that he and Abuwatseya had engaged in alternative dispute resolution, reaching a “mutual and respectful agreement” to resolve the matter.