House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, has cautioned that his colleague, Alex Ikwechegh, might suffer a “double tragedy” due to his alleged assault on e-hailing driver, Stephen Abuwatseya, in Abuja last month.

Chinda explained: “Presently, he is being prosecuted. He is at the Magistrate Court. The House has also sent him to the disciplinary committee on the same issue,” Chinda stated during an appearance on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande on Channels TV.

“Perhaps, he might suffer double jeopardy if he is undergoing prosecution and discipline in the House,” he added.

Chinda noted that Ikwechegh had expressed remorse and issued an apology to Nigerians but emphasised that “that is a standard for parliamentarians. Public office holders are like pastors and Imams, and people should look up to you in character and conduct.”

The controversy began in late October when Ikwechegh allegedly assaulted Abuwatseya, who had been delivering snails on behalf of a vendor.

Tension rose when the driver requested payment upon arrival at Ikwechegh’s residence.

The lawmaker, who represents Aba North & South Federal Constituency, was reportedly heard telling the vendor, “How can this stupid idiot come to me and tell me that I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and pick up a snail I am buying from you? I can make this man disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen.”

Following the altercation, which was widely condemned, police arrested Ikwechegh, who subsequently issued a public apology.

On Wednesday, he was granted bail of N500,000 by a Kuje Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty to charges of abuse of office, assault, and threat to life.

The case was thereafter adjourned to 8 November.