A Lagos State High Court has sentenced a truck driver, Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, to life imprisonment for causing the death of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer while on official duty.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, by the High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) Division in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024 —The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, following a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
According to the statement signed by Ogungbemide, the conviction followed a fatal road crash that occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, during a routine traffic enforcement exercise by an FRSC patrol team.
Investigations revealed that the defendant was driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed when he rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down for inspection. The impact crushed Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant (DCRMA) Ajomale, who was actively performing his official duties, resulting in fatal injuries.
The court found the driver’s actions grossly negligent, reckless, and unlawful, and dismissed any claim that the incident was accidental. He was consequently convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Reacting to the judgment, the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, mni, described the ruling as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
He said the verdict sends a strong warning to motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated.
“When a life is lost due to gross negligence, especially that of an officer on lawful duty, the law will take its full course. The Corps will continue to pursue justice relentlessly for every fallen officer and innocent road user,” he stated.
The Corps Marshal further emphasized that the FRSC would intensify enforcement, strengthen prosecution support, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving practices nationwide.
He warned that drivers who disregard traffic regulations and endanger the lives of road users should expect severe legal consequences.
The FRSC also paid tribute to the late DCRMA Ajomale, noted that his sacrifice remained a solemn reminder of the risks faced daily by road safety personnel in the line of duty.
