A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, was on Wednesday arraigned at an Abuja Magistrate Court in Kuje, for allegedly assaultiing a bolt driver in his residence in Abuja.

The Lawmaker, representing Abia North and South Federal Constituency was docked but pleaded not guilty to all the charges that the Nigeria Police Force brought against him. Galaxy Television reports that the charge include, abuse of office, assault and threat to life. Following the Defendant's plea of innocence, the prosecution Counsel, A. Umar, applied for a date for a full blown hearing on the matter.

On his part, the defense Counsel made oral application for his release on bail, pending the determination of the case. The defendant contended that the charge against him contained bail able offences adding that the right to presumption of innocence was guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.

In his ruling, Magistrate Abubakar Umar Sai'id said he was minded to accede to the Defendant's application for bail. Consequently, he granted him bail in the sum of #500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The Court added that the sureties must not only reside within its jurisdiction but must also provide their utility bills as proof of residence. It subsequently adjourned the matter to November 8th for trial.