The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has described the life imprisonment sentence handed to a Lagos truck driver, Okpara Onyekachi, as a major win for justice and road safety in Nigeria. The judgment followed a tragic incident that led to the death of a serving FRSC officer while on duty, reinforcing the consequences of reckless driving.

The ruling was delivered by the Lagos State High Court, TBS Division, in a case linked to a fatal crash that occurred on November 16, 2023, at Orile-Iganmu, Lagos. According to FRSC officials, the officer was carrying out routine traffic enforcement when the incident happened, leading to a court case that lasted several months.

Reacting to the verdict, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said the decision sends a strong warning to all road users, especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles. He stressed that negligence and careless driving would no longer be treated lightly, particularly when they result in loss of life. Mohammed added that the law must take its full course whenever officers or civilians are killed in the line of duty.

The FRSC also announced plans to strengthen road safety enforcement nationwide. This includes closer cooperation with law enforcement agencies, stronger prosecution of offenders, and improved monitoring of traffic violations. The Corps reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives on Nigerian roads and ensuring that those who break traffic laws face serious legal consequences.