Popular lawyer, Deji Adeyanju has ceased being a counsel to Bolt driver, Mr Stephen Abuwatseya, who dragged Abia lawmaker, Hon Alex Ikwechegh following their encounter on October 27, 2024.
The lawyer shared a copy of his withdrawal letter on social media.
“We wish to formally announce the withdrawal of our legal representation in the case involving the alleged assault of Mr Stephen Abuwatseya.
On October 28, 2024, Mr Stephen approached our law firm, visibly distressed and sought a redress over an alleged assault.
Following his complaint 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 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. We wish him the very best,” he wrote.
Recently, recall that in a video, Ikwechegh threatened and assaulted Abuwatseya who was delivering a package to him in Abuja.
Ikwechegh, representing Aba North/South of Abia State in the House of Representatives, was on October 30 arraigned before a Kuje Magistrate Court on three counts of abuse of office, assault and threat to life.
He was granted bail of N500,000.
However, in a video statement released to the press on Thursday, Abuwatseya expressed regret for provoking Ikwechegh and asked Nigerians for forgiveness.
He also urged everyone to move on from the incident.
Abuwatseya stated in parts, “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.”
“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.”
The driver also thanked his family and well-wishers for their support over the issue, “I want to use this medium to thank my family members, my parents, my brothers, my uncles and everybody that stood by me. I want to thank all of you. I love you all. Thank you. God bless Nigeria.”
Recall that in a video, Ikwechegh threatened and assaulted Abuwatseya who was delivering a package to him in Abuja.