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, who was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ, was allegedly involved in a collision with a motorcycle.
According to preliminary investigations, the motorcycle reportedly collided with the rear of Kolade’s vehicle, leading to an argument between the parties. During the confrontation, the vehicle allegedly reversed and struck the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
The incident reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
While Kolade’s spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
The motorcycle rider involved in the incident, who was allegedly struck by the vehicle, survived and is currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
The Police Command said four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the alleged attack. They are Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The Command added that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who allegedly participated in the attack.
Treating the incident as a homicide case, the Lagos Police Command has transferred the matter to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Command reminded members of the public that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees the fundamental right to life under Section 33, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to unlawfully deprive another person of life.
It further noted that under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes homicide and may amount to murder or manslaughter, depending on the circumstances of the offence.
The Police consequently warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice and self-help, stressing that suspected offenders should be reported to law enforcement agencies rather than subjected to extrajudicial punishment.
The Command said the position is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, who directed Police Commands nationwide to treat mob actions resulting in death as homicide and ensure that persons who participate in, organise, incite or support such attacks face the full weight of the law.
The Lagos Police Command urged residents to promptly report criminal incidents to the Police and allow due process of law to take its course.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
CP Fatai assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly, adding that anyone found to have participated in the attack or contributed to Kolade’s death would be brought to justice.