Lagos: Truck driver bags life imprisonment for killing FRSC officer
The Federal Road Safety Corps has described the conviction and life imprisonment of Okpara Onyekachi as a victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
The judgment was delivered by the Lagos State High Court, TBS Division, in suit number LD/24692C/2024. The case arose from a fatal road crash that claimed the life of an FRSC officer who was lawfully on duty.
The FRSC corps marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said this in a statement on Friday. According to him, the incident occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, during a routine traffic enforcement operation by an FRSC patrol team.
“Investigations revealed that the defendant, who was driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed, failed to exercise due care and rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down for inspection.
“The impact crushed deputy chief road marshal assistant Ajomale, who was actively discharging his official duties, inflicting fatal injuries.
“The court held that the driver’s actions were grossly negligent, reckless and unlawful, rejected any claim of accident, and consequently convicted him of involuntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” he said.
Mr Mohammed said the judgment sends a strong, unmistakable message to all road users, particularly heavy-duty vehicle operators, that recklessness on Nigerian roads will no longer be tolerated.
He stressed that whenever a life was lost due to gross negligence, especially the life of an officer on lawful duty, the law would take its full course, adding that the Corps would continue to pursue justice for every fallen officer and innocent road user.
The corps marshal further disclosed that the FRSC would intensify enforcement, strengthen support for prosecution, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving behaviours nationwide.
He warned that drivers who flout traffic regulations and endanger lives should expect severe legal consequences, reaffirming FRSC’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigerian roads.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Africa
Information minister congratulates Ibietan on re-election as APRA scribe
Mr Idris described Mr Ibietan’s re-election as a well-deserved recognition of his professionalism.
States
Niger governor donates N100 million to IBBU’s College of Medicine, 41 pioneer medical students
Mr Bagana stated that the 41 pioneer medical students of the institution comprised 21 males and 20 females.
Politics
2027: Minister vows to mobilise one million votes for Tinubu, Radda in Katsina
Mr Rabe-Darma vowed to mobilise over one million votes for President Bola Tinubu and Governor Dikko Radda ahead of the 2027 elections.
Heading 5
Mamdani considers arresting Israeli PM Netanyahu if he visits New York
Mr Mamdani said his administration’s legal department is weighing the option of arresting the Israeli leader as determined by the law.
Lagos
LAWMA unveils reforms to end waste backlog in Lagos
He said conventional dumpsites were no longer sustainable because of Lagos’ coastal terrain, limited land availability and growing urban population.
Economy
EU bans destruction of unsold clothing
The policy took effect on Sunday, and the EU also announced it would extend to medium-sized companies starting in 2030.
