A truck driver identified as Johnson has received a six-month jail term from a Mobile Court in Awka, Anambra State, for overloading his vehicle.
Reportedly, the driver was apprehended near the Awmabia flyover along the Awka-Onitsha expressway by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps on Tuesday.
Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate I. Anyadiegbu granted the defendant the option of paying a fine.
Adeoye Irelewuyi, the state sector commander, disclosed during a press briefing in his office on Thursday, February 15, that the driver was swiftly arraigned before the court following his arrest.
“The overloaded vehicle was impounded at our head office here in Awka, and coincidentally, the mobile court was in session the same day. Consequently, he was immediately brought before the court, where the chief magistrate sentenced him to six months in jail or payment of a fine,” Irelewuyi explained.
Highlighting the dangers of overloading, Irelewuyi emphasized its potential to escalate the severity of road accidents, posing significant risks to both drivers and passengers. He urged road users to refrain from overloading their vehicles to enhance road safety.
“All our efforts are geared towards minimizing road traffic accidents in the state. We seek the support and cooperation of the public to contribute to making our roads safer and more peaceful,” he concluded.