The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the conviction and life imprisonment of a truck driver, Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, for killing an officer on duty as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.
In a press statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Thursday night, the FRSC said the judgment was delivered on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, by the High Court of Lagos State, TBS Division, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024, The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi.
According to the Corps, the case arose from a fatal road crash that led to the death of a Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant (DCRMA) Ajomale, who was lawfully on duty during a routine traffic enforcement exercise in the Orile Iganmu area of Lagos State.
The FRSC explained that the incident occurred on November 16, 2023, when a patrol team had flagged down a mini truck for inspection. Investigations revealed that the defendant, who was driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed, failed to exercise due care and rammed into the stationary mini truck.
The violent impact crushed DCRMA Ajomale, inflicting fatal injuries while he was actively discharging his official duties. The Corps noted that the court found the driver’s actions to be “grossly negligent, reckless, and unlawful,” rejecting any claim that the incident was an accident.
Consequently, the court convicted the driver of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced him to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The judgment, the FRSC said, reinforces accountability and underscores the seriousness of traffic violations involving heavy-duty vehicles.
Reacting to the verdict, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, said the ruling sends a strong warning to motorists, particularly truck and tanker drivers, that reckless driving will no longer be tolerated on Nigerian roads.
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“When a life is lost due to gross negligence, especially the life of an officer on lawful duty, the law will take its full course,” Mohammed said, adding that the Corps would continue to pursue justice for fallen officers and innocent road users.
He further emphasized that the FRSC would intensify enforcement, prosecution support, and collaboration with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving behaviours nationwide.
The FRSC also said the entire management and staff of the Corps honoured the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, describing his death as a solemn reminder of the risks faced daily by road safety personnel in the line of duty.