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.”
World
World’s oldest person Ethel Caterham celebrates 117th birthday
Ms Caterham is the last known surviving person born during the reign of King Edward VII, who died in 1910.
States
24 ISWAP family members surrender to troops in Borno
The report stated, “Troops arrested one suspect in possession of a magazine loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
Lagos
Five die in Badagry road crash
Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said, ““The remains of the victims were carefully recovered, bagged with dignity, and handed over to officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.”
Heading 1
Tinubu appoints Ngozi Olejeme, Betta Edu fingered in over N1 billion fraud as 2027 campaign council members
The EFCC told the People Gazette that investigations were still ongoing on Mr Edu’s case.
World
U.S. military fires publisher, top editor of Stars and Stripes reporting U.S. navy sailors’ travails
The newspaper’s publisher since 2007, Max Lederer, who had earlier this week announced his retirement in September, was also fired.
Heading 2
Atiku’s latest position on subsidy driven by political desperation, says ex-APC spokesman
Mr Oladejo noted that subsidy removal should not be reduced to a mere campaign slogan.
