A truck driver in Nigeria has been sentenced to life imprisonment following the death of a road safety officer who was killed while on duty in Lagos.
Okpara Kingsley Onyekachi was convicted of involuntary manslaughter by the High Court of Lagos State on Tuesday. The court heard that Onyekachi was driving a 40-foot container truck at “excessive speed” when he crashed into a stationary vehicle being inspected by officials. The impact crushed Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, a member of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who was carrying out routine traffic enforcement at the time.
Unmistakable message
The incident took place in November 2023 in the Orile-Iganmu area of Nigeria’s commercial capital.The prosecution argued that Onyekachi’s conduct was “grossly negligent and reckless.” While the defence attempted to frame the incident as an accident, the judge rejected the claim, citing the driver’s failure to exercise due care. Reacting to the verdict, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the sentence sent a “loud, unmistakable message” to motorists.”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,” Mr Mohammed said in a statement.
Rising concerns over road safety
Safety on Nigeria’s highways is a persistent concern, with heavy-duty trucks frequently involved in fatal collisions. The FRSC has often complained of drivers disregarding speed limits and safety protocols.The corps described the ruling as a “landmark victory” for road safety enforcement in West Africa’s most populous nation.Officials added that the conviction served as a “solemn reminder” of the risks faced by personnel working to manage the country’s often chaotic traffic conditions.
Add Comment