Truck Driver Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing FRSC Marshal on Active Duty The Federal Road

Truck Driver Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for Killing FRSC Marshal on Active Duty

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the conviction and life imprisonment of Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi as a landmark victory for justice and road safety enforcement in Nigeria.

The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, 14 January 2026, by the High Court of Lagos State (TBS Division) in Suit No. LD/24692C/2024 – The State v. Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi, following a fatal road crash that claimed the life of an FRSC officer lawfully on duty.

The tragic incident occurred on 16 November 2023 at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos State, while an FRSC patrol team was conducting routine traffic enforcement. 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 a stationary mini truck that had been flagged down for inspection.

The impact of the crash fatally injured Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant (DCRMA) Ajomale, who was actively discharging his official duties at the time. The court found the driver’s actions to be grossly negligent, reckless, and unlawful, rejected any claim of accident, and convicted him of Involuntary Manslaughter, sentencing him to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Reacting to the judgment, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, mni, described the ruling as one that sends a loud and unmistakable message to all drivers—particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles—that recklessness on Nigerian roads will no longer be tolerated.

“When a life is lost due to gross negligence, especially the life of an officer lawfully on duty, the law will take its full course. The Corps will continue to pursue justice relentlessly for every fallen officer and every innocent road user,” he said.

The Corps Marshal further emphasized that the FRSC will intensify enforcement efforts, strengthen prosecution support, and deepen collaboration with stakeholders to curb dangerous driving behaviours nationwide.

He warned that drivers who disregard traffic regulations and endanger the lives of innocent road users should expect severe legal consequences, adding that the FRSC remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian roads.

He noted that the entire management and staff of the Corps continue to honour the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, whose ultimate sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the daily risks faced by road safety personnel in the line of duty.