By Our Reporter
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob attack that led to the death of Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
The incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, when Kolade was reportedly travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ.
According to the police, a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind, resulting in an argument between the motorcycle rider and Kolade.
During the altercation, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and motorcycle to fall. The incident reportedly attracted a group of people in the area who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
His spouse was reportedly rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider involved in the incident, who was allegedly hit by the vehicle, survived and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.
The police identified the four suspects arrested in connection with the attack as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
The case, which is being treated as a homicide, has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Command warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice and resorting to self-help, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
It noted that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to life under Section 33, while the Criminal Law of Lagos State criminalises unlawful killing, which may constitute murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances.
The warning is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that cases of mob action resulting in death should be treated as homicide and that persons who participate in, organise, incite or support such attacks would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and professional, adding that anyone found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.
