A Lagos State High Court has sentenced a truck driver to life imprisonment for the death of a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, ruling that the fatal crash was the result of reckless and negligent driving while the officer was carrying out official duties.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has welcomed the life sentence handed to Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, describing it as a major step toward accountability and safer roads in Nigeria.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, by the High Court of Lagos State sitting at the TBS Division, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024, The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi. The case stemmed from a tragic road crash that occurred on 16 November 2023 at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos.
Evidence before the court showed that the defendant was driving a 40-foot container truck at high speed when he lost control and slammed into a mini truck that had been stopped by an FRSC patrol team for routine inspection. The impact fatally injured Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, who was on active duty at the time.
The court held that the driver acted with gross negligence and recklessness, dismissing claims that the incident was accidental. He was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment in line with the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Reacting to the ruling, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, said the verdict sends a clear warning to motorists, especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, that dangerous driving will attract serious consequences.
He stressed that the loss of an officer performing lawful duties would not be treated lightly, adding that the Corps remains committed to seeking justice for fallen personnel and protecting innocent road users.
The Corps Marshal also noted that FRSC will continue to strengthen enforcement efforts, support prosecution of traffic offenders, and work with stakeholders to reduce unsafe driving practices nationwide.
He warned that drivers who ignore traffic rules and put lives at risk should expect the full weight of the law, as the Corps honours the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, whose death highlights the daily dangers faced by road safety officers in the line of duty.