- FRSC praises judgment as a major win for road safety enforcement
- Lagos court sentences truck driver to life imprisonment
- FRSC officer killed during routine traffic patrol in Lagos
- Strong warning issued to reckless drivers nationwide
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the life imprisonment of a truck driver in Lagosas a landmark judgment that strengthens road safety enforcement in Nigeria and sends a strong message against reckless driving.
The Federal Road Safety Corps has applauded the Lagos State High Court for sentencing Okpara Onyekachito life imprisonment over a fatal road crash that claimed the life of a serving FRSC officer.
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The judgment was delivered by the Lagos State High Court, TBS Division, in suit number LD/24692C/2024, following an accident that occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos.
According to the FRSC, the deceased officer, Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, was on routine traffic patrol when a container-laden truck, driven at excessive speed by Onyekachi, rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down for inspection.
The collision fatally injured the officer, who was performing his lawful duties at the time.
Speaking on the ruling, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said investigations clearly showed that the crash was caused by reckless and negligent driving.
“The driver failed to exercise due care, and the court found his actions reckless, negligent, and unlawful. The claim of an accident was rejected, and he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” Mohammed stated.
He added that the judgment serves as a strong warning to motorists, especially heavy-duty vehicle operators, that dangerous driving 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,” he said.
The FRSC boss also reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to seeking justice for fallen officers and protecting innocent road users across the country.
