Nigerian lawmaker Alex Mascot assaults Bolt driver in viral video, sparking calls for justice amid rising incidents of violence by public officials.
A Nigerian member of the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot, has been caught on video assaulting and threatening a Bolt driver in Maitama, Abuja.
The footage, posted on X (formerly Twitter), shows Mr Mascot, a first-term representative for Aba North/Aba South Constituency in Abia State, slapping the driver multiple times and boasting, “Do you know who I am?” and “I can make you disappear.”
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The incident unfolded after Mr Mascot reportedly ordered snails from a vendor who dispatched the delivery through the popular ride-hailing service, Bolt.
Upon arrival, the driver asked Mr Mascot to come out to collect the order, which the lawmaker perceived as disrespectful.
This perceived slight led to a heated altercation, during which Mr Mascot slapped the driver and threatened his safety.
The Bolt driver, identified as Stephen Abuwatseya, remained composed, asking only for his payment while Mr Mascot escalated his threats.
The video captures Mr Mascot saying, “I will slap the hell out of you, beat you up, and lock you up in my generator room,” and, “I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria, and nothing will happen.”
The driver documented receiving three slaps from Mr Mascot, who later forcefully ended the recording.
The police have confirmed that Mr Abuwatseya filed an official report at the Maitama Divisional Headquarters, where investigations are ongoing.
This altercation has drawn renewed attention to a troubling pattern of violence by Nigerian lawmakers.
In 2019, another lawmaker, Senator Elisha Abbo, faced public backlash and a court-ordered fine after assaulting a woman in a sex shop.
Although he issued a public apology and submitted to police investigation, incidents of violence and misuse of power among public officials remain prevalent.
This case has sparked public outcry on social media, where Nigerians have condemned the treatment of e-hailing and delivery drivers.
Many such drivers face daily risks of harassment, theft, and assault, with little recourse for justice.
In response, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) urged the public to refrain from using the Inspector-General’s office as an instrument of intimidation, noting that Mr Abuwatseya’s report was being handled with impartiality.
As authorities investigate, calls are mounting for greater accountability among public officials, with many Nigerians calling for disciplinary action against Mr Mascot.
