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Truck driver gets life sentence for killing FRSC officer in Lagos
The Federal Road Safety Corps has described the life imprisonment of Okpara Onyekachi as a major victory for justice and a strong signal in support of road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
The judgment was delivered by the Lagos State High Court sitting at the TBS Division in a case marked LD/24692C/2024, which arose from a fatal road accident that led to the death of a serving FRSC officer.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the tragic incident happened on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu in Lagos while FRSC officers were carrying out a routine traffic patrol.
He noted that the court’s decision showed that reckless driving and violence against law enforcement officers would not be tolerated, adding that the ruling would serve as a warning to motorists who endanger lives on Nigerian roads.
Mohammed stressed that the conviction reaffirmed the commitment of the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect officers who risk their lives daily to ensure the safety of road users across the country.
The officer, Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, was on duty when a container-laden truck, driven by Onyekachi at excessive speed, collided with a stationary mini truck flagged down for inspection.
“Investigations established that the driver failed to exercise due care, causing a collision that fatally injured Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale. The court found the actions of the driver to be reckless, negligent, and unlawful. It rejected any claim of an accident and convicted him of involuntary manslaughter, sentencing him to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” Mohammed said.
The FRSC chief emphasised that the ruling sends a clear message to all motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving and negligence will no longer be tolerated on Nigerian roads.
“Whenever a life is lost due to gross negligence, especially that of an officer performing lawful duties, the law will be enforced without compromise,” Mohammed stated.
He added that the Corps will continue to seek justice for fallen officers and innocent road users.
Mohammed also confirmed that the FRSC would strengthen enforcement measures, bolster support for prosecutions, and work closely with relevant stakeholders to combat dangerous driving nationwide.
He warned that violators of traffic regulations who endanger lives would face severe legal consequences, reiterating the Corps’ commitment to safeguarding road users across the country.
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