The law firm of Deji Adeyanju & Partners has severed its legal relationship with Stephen Abuwatseye, an Abuja-based e-hailing driver, following his public apology to Alex Ikwechegh, the controversial House of Representatives member for Aba North and South, who had assaulted him.
The decision comes in the wake of a viral video that showed Ikwechegh physically assaulting Abuwatseye, a Bolt driver, during an altercation. In the footage, Ikwechegh can be heard boasting about his power, even threatening to make Abuwatseye “disappear.”
The incident sparked a widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians calling for Ikwechegh’s removal from office.
Ikwechegh, after facing public backlash, later apologized, acknowledging that his actions were not in line with the expected conduct of a public official.
However, the apology was met with mixed reactions, with some feeling it was insufficient given the severity of his behavior.
The matter escalated when Abuwatseye, despite being the victim, issued his own apology to Ikwechegh, which many viewed as an attempt to downplay the gravity of the assault.
In a video shared on Thursday, Abuwatseye expressed regret for his role in provoking Ikwechegh, stating: “I want to apologize to him for whatever I must have said or done to provoke him to that level of anger.”
Abuwatseye’s apology quickly garnered criticism, as many felt it undermined efforts to hold Ikwechegh accountable for his actions.
The situation became even more contentious when Abuwatseye urged Nigerians to “forgive and forget,” invoking a religious sentiment: “For there is no justice without forgiveness.”
In response to the development, Abuwatseye’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju & Partners, issued a statement announcing their withdrawal from the case.
The law firm explained that Abuwatseye’s recent actions, including the apology, compromised their ethical standards.
“After careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in order to protect our professional integrity and maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession,” the statement read.
The firm, however, expressed good wishes for Abuwatseye, while reaffirming its commitment to fighting for the rights of marginalized individuals.
“We wish Mr. Stephen Abuwatseye the very best, while we assure the general public of our continuous commitment towards protecting the rights of the oppressed and indigent members of society,” the statement concluded.
In the meantime, Ikwechegh faces legal charges, including abuse of office, assault, and threats to life.
He was granted bail by a Chief Magistrate Court in Kuje, Abuja, but the case is still ongoing, with the next court date scheduled for November 8.
