The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the life imprisonment of Okpara Onyekachi as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
Naija News reports that the Lagos State High Court, TBS Division, handed down the judgment in suit number LD/24692C/2024, arising from a fatal accident that claimed the life of a serving FRSC officer.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the incident occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, during a routine traffic patrol.
The officer, Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, was on duty when a container-laden truck driven by Onyekachi at excessive speed rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been 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 noted that the ruling sends a strong warning to motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving and negligence would 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 would continue to pursue justice for fallen officers and innocent road users affected by road crashes.
Mohammed also confirmed that the FRSC would strengthen enforcement measures, enhance support for prosecutions and work closely with relevant stakeholders to curb 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.
