FRSC jails lorry driver, tries 31 others in Ebonyi

ABAKALIKI—NO fewer than 31 drivers were yesterday tried for various traffic offenses as one of the culprits, a lorry driver, Okwudili Onukwube was sentenced to two months imprisonment by the mobile court sitting in Abakaliki for non-possession of valid drivers licence and dangerous

driving.

Onukwube was involved in an accident at the Nkwoagu end of the Abakaliki-Enugu federal highway on August 4.

He was sentenced with an option of N50,000 fine by the mobile court during the trial of about 31 drivers for various traffic offenses.

Though no life was lost in the incident, the lorry with the registration no: EDA 212 XA which was conveying yams  fell with the produce and seriously obstructed vehicular movements.

The presiding Magistrate, Joseph Nwuna ruled that the accused was found guilty of not being in possession of a valid drivers licence and dangerous driving.

“The accused is also found guilty of assaulting the FRSC officials on duty which was capable of inflicting harm on the personnel.

He noted the offenses violated the FRSC Establishment Act of 2007 as applicable in Ebonyi and punishable under section 10 (9) of the same act, as the vehicle would be released after the payment.

The court absolved the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, in the state of complicity in the accident which the accused and several people in the town accused them of.

It also sentenced Mr Jude Ukwuome to two months imprisonment or an option of N60, 000 fine for dangerous driving.
ALSO READ:Prison, a good experience, says man who named dog ‘Buhari’

“The accused with  a Mercedes Benz V-Boot car with registration no: AKL 345 AU, was  without a valid drivers licence and driving recklessness.

He noted that the accused hit an FRSC car in the process and ruled that he repair the vehicle.

The FRSC State Commander, Mr Charles Aborchi, who hailed the court over its verdicts added that the commission has been vindicated.

“The FRSC can never be the cause of accidents in the state, as motorists should appreciate our duties of ensuring that our roads are safe