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.