The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the conviction and life imprisonment of Okpara Onyekachi as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
The judgement was delivered by the High Court of Lagos State, TBS Division, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024, The State v. Okpara Onyekachi, following a fatal road crash that claimed the life of an FRSC officer who was lawfully on duty.
According to a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, through the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the incident occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, during a routine traffic enforcement operation.
Investigations revealed that the convicted driver was operating a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed when he failed to exercise due caution and rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down by FRSC officers for inspection.
The impact crushed Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant (DCRMA) Ajomale, who was actively performing his official duties at the time, resulting in 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,” the statement said, adding that the defendant was sentenced to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
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Reacting to the judgement, Mohammed said the ruling sends a clear and unmistakable message to all road users, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving on Nigerian roads will no longer be tolerated.
He stressed that whenever a life is lost due to gross negligence—especially the life of an officer on lawful duty—the law will be allowed to take its full course. He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to pursuing justice for fallen officers and innocent road users alike.
The Corps Marshal also disclosed that the FRSC would intensify enforcement activities, strengthen prosecution support, and deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders to curb dangerous driving behaviours nationwide.
He warned motorists who flout traffic regulations and endanger lives to expect severe legal consequences, noting that the sacrifice of DCRMA Ajomale remains a solemn reminder of the risks faced daily by road safety personnel in the line of duty.