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)
