The Lagos State High Court has sentenced truck driver Okpara Onyekachi to life imprisonment for the involuntary manslaughter of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, a ruling hailed by the Corps as a landmark victory for justice.
The judgment was delivered in suit number LD/24692C/2024, stemming from a fatal accident on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. The officer, Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, was killed during a routine traffic patrol.
According to a statement by Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed, Onyekachi was driving a container-laden truck at excessive speed when he collided with a stationary mini-truck that had been flagged down for inspection, fatally injuring the FRSC officer.
“Investigations established that the driver failed to exercise due care... 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 explained.
The FRSC chief emphasized that the ruling sends a strong message to all motorists, particularly heavy-duty vehicle operators, that reckless driving will not be tolerated. “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 stated.
Mohammed confirmed the FRSC would strengthen enforcement, support prosecutions, and collaborate with stakeholders to combat dangerous driving nationwide. He warned that traffic violators who endanger lives will face severe legal consequences, reiterating the Corps' commitment to safeguarding all road users.
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