Lagos Truck Driver Sentenced to Life for Killing FRSC Officer During Traffic Patrol

Lagos, Nigeria – A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Okpara Onyekachi to life imprisonment for the death of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer during a traffic patrol in Orile-Iganmu.

The ruling, delivered at the TBS Division under suit number LD/24692C/2024, followed an investigation into the fatal accident on 16 November 2023, which claimed the life of Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale.

According to the FRSC, Onyekachi’s container-laden truck collided with a stationary mini truck flagged down for inspection. The court found that the driver acted recklessly and negligently, rejecting claims that the incident was an accident. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed described the judgment as a “landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria,” emphasizing that the ruling sends a strong warning to motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles.

“Whenever a life is lost due to gross negligence, particularly that of an officer performing lawful duties, the law will be enforced without compromise,” Mohammed said.

The FRSC chief also pledged to strengthen enforcement measures, support prosecutions, and collaborate with stakeholders to reduce reckless driving nationwide.