Saturday, February 7, 2026 -The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has hailed the life imprisonment of Okpara Onyekachi as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
The Lagos State High Court, TBS Division, delivered 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 on Friday, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed
explained that 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,
collided with a stationary mini truck 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 emphasised that the ruling sends a clear
message to all motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that
reckless driving and negligence 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,” Mohammed stated.
He added that the Corps will continue to seek justice for
fallen officers and innocent road users.
Mohammed also confirmed that the FRSC would strengthen
enforcement measures, bolster support for prosecutions, and work closely with
relevant stakeholders to combat 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.
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