Connect with us

News

Truck Driver Jailed for Life for Killing FRSC Marshal on Active Duty

Published

on

Joel Ajayi

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

 The judgment, 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, arose from a fatal road crash that claimed the life of an FRSC officer who was lawfully on duty.

The fatal 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, driving a 40-feet 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 violent impact crushed Deputy Chief Road Marshal Assistant Ajomale, a personnel actively discharging official duties, leading to fatal injuries. The Court found the driver’s conduct grossly negligent, reckless, and unlawful, rejected any claim of accident, and convicted him of Involuntary Manslaughter, thereby sentencing him to life imprisonment under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

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

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, and the Corps will continue to pursue justice relentlessly for every fallen officer and every innocent road user.

The Corps Marshal further emphasised that FRSC will intensify enforcement, prosecution support, and stakeholder collaboration to curb dangerous driving behaviours.

He warned that drivers who disregard traffic regulations and endanger lives of innocent road Users should expect severe legal consequences; adding that FRSC will not relent in its commitment to safeguarding Nigerian roads as the entire Management and Staff of the Corps honoured the memory of DCRMA Ajomale, whose sacrifice stands as a solemn reminder of the risks faced daily by road safety personnel in the line of duty.

Continue Reading

News

Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran

Published

on


Joel Ajayi


The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.

In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.

According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.

“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.

The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.

“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.

The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.

Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.

The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.

“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.

Continue Reading

Trending

error

Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)