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
States
Independence: NBA urges Nigerians to expect better future
The NBA said that ordinary Nigerians should be deriving benefit from the subsidy removal rather than hardship.
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.”
Politics
You are delusional for blaming opposition for your failure, inhumane policies, Atiku replies
Mr Abubakar said, “A president cannot light the fire of hardship with his own policies, then blame the neighbours for the smoke.”
Politics
2027: Tinubu promises sustained prosperity, development
Mr Tinubu cited regular salary payments, economic recovery, and efforts to combat corruption and fuel smuggling as areas of his administration’s commitment.
States
Troops eliminate 15 terrorists in Borno air strike
Mr Goni said the precision air strike was followed by ground operations to clear the area and consolidate the gains.
World
Denmark govt launches website for foreigners to apply for job, relocate
The website currently features almost 2,000 job vacancies.
Sport
Arsenal move level with Man City after 2-0 win over Everton
Defender Ezri Konsa opened the scoring for Arsenal in the seventh minute.
NationWide
Tinubu blames opposition for hunger, poverty after 11 years of APC rule
Mr Tinubu said he is working with the present governors to eradicate poverty.
