A Lagos High Court has sentenced a truck driver, Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, to life imprisonment for killing a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) marshal while the officer was carrying out official duties.

The FRSC described the ruling as a landmark judgement for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.

In a statement issued from its headquarters in Abuja, the Corps said the judgement was delivered on January 14, 2026, by the High Court of Lagos State, TBS Division, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024 – The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi.

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According to the Corps, the incident occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos, during a routine traffic enforcement operation by an FRSC patrol team.

Investigations showed that the defendant, who was driving a 40-foot container-laden truck at excessive speed, lost control and rammed into a stationary mini truck that had been stopped for inspection.

The impact fatally injured Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, who was on duty at the time.

The court ruled that the driver acted in a grossly negligent and reckless manner, dismissed claims that the crash was accidental, and convicted him of involuntary manslaughter.

He was subsequently sentenced to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reacting to the verdict, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, said the ruling sends a strong warning to motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, that reckless driving will not be tolerated.

He stressed that the Corps would continue to pursue justice for officers and road users harmed by dangerous driving, adding that enforcement, prosecution and stakeholder collaboration would be strengthened to curb traffic violations.

The FRSC also reaffirmed its commitment to safer roads and honoured the late officer, noting that his death underscores the risks faced daily by personnel in the line of duty.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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