Court Imposes Life Sentence on Truck Driver for FRSC Officer's Death

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has termed the conviction and life sentence of truck driver Okpara Onyekachi as a pivotal triumph for justice and the enforcement of road safety regulations in Nigeria.

This statement from the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, was issued by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Friday, February 6, 2026, in Abuja.

Onyekachi was found guilty of causing the death of Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Abiodun Ajomale, who died during a standard FRSC patrol in Orile- Iganmu, Lagos. Ajomale had just welcomed his third child with his wife two months prior to the tragic incident.

The court ruling was handed down on Tuesday, January 14, 2026, by the High Court of Lagos State, TBS Division, in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024 – The State v. Okpara Onyekachi.

As per the court's findings, Onyekachi was driving a 40-foot container truck at dangerous speeds when he collided with a stationary mini truck that had been stopped for inspection. The impact resulted in fatal injuries to Ajomale, who was performing his official duties at the time.

The court concluded that the driver acted with gross negligence, recklessness, and unlawfulness, dismissing claims that the crash was a mere accident.

Consequently, Onyekachi was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Mohammed noted that the unfortunate event took place on November 16, 2023, in Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, during a routine traffic enforcement operation conducted by an FRSC patrol team.

"Investigations showed that the defendant, driving the container-laden truck at excessive speed, neglected to exercise due caution and collided with a stopped mini truck that had been signaled for inspection.

He further explained, “The force of the impact crushed Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, who was actively carrying out his official responsibilities, leading to lethal injuries.

“The court determined that the driver’s conduct was characterized by gross negligence and outright recklessness, rejecting any claims of accidental circumstances, and thus he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter,” he elaborated.

Furthermore, he stated that Onyekachi has been sentenced to life behind bars under the 2015 Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Mohammed emphasized that this judgment conveys a strong and clear message to all road users, particularly those operating heavy vehicles: that reckless behavior on Nigerian roads will no longer be acceptable.

He highlighted that in instances where lives are lost due to extreme negligence, particularly concerning officers performing their duties, legal actions will be pursued rigorously. The Corps is dedicated to seeking justice for all fallen officers and innocent road users.

Additionally, the Corps Marshal revealed plans to enhance enforcement measures, boost support for legal prosecutions, and foster partnerships with stakeholders to combat dangerous driving nationwide.

He cautioned that drivers who violate traffic laws and put lives at risk should anticipate severe legal repercussions, reiterating the Corps’ commitment to maintaining safety on Nigerian roads.

Finally, he acknowledged that the entire management and staff of the FRSC paid tribute to the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, acknowledging his sacrifice as a solemn reminder of the dangers road safety personnel face on duty.