A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Okpara Onyekachi to life imprisonment for the death of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer in a road crash, describing the ruling as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
The judgment, delivered at the TBS Division under suit number LD/24692C/2024, followed the November 16, 2023, incident at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, where Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale was killed while performing his official duties.
Investigations revealed that Onyekachi, driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed, rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been stopped for inspection.
The impact crushed the officer, inflicting fatal injuries.
In delivering the verdict, the court found Onyekachi’s actions grossly negligent, reckless, and unlawful, dismissing claims that the crash was an accident.
He was consequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the ruling sends a strong message to all road users, particularly heavy-duty vehicle operators, that recklessness on Nigerian roads would no longer be tolerated.
He added that the Corps would continue to pursue justice for every fallen officer and innocent road user, while intensifying enforcement and collaborating with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving nationwide.
“Whenever a life is lost due to gross negligence, especially the life of an officer on duty, the law will take its full course,” Mohammed said.
“Drivers who flout traffic regulations and endanger lives should expect severe legal consequences.”
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