By Odita Sunday
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged mob killing of Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
The Command said Kolade was attacked by a group of individuals after a dispute arising from a road traffic incident at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
According to Adebisi, preliminary investigation showed that Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind.
She said an argument reportedly followed between Kolade and the motorcycle rider, adding that the vehicle allegedly reversed during the incident and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
The incident reportedly attracted a group of people in the area, who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
Adebisi said Kolade’s spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider allegedly involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, the police said.
Those arrested were identified 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 allegedly involved in the attack.
Adebisi said the incident was being treated as a homicide case, adding that the matter had been transferred to the SCID, Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Command warned residents against mob action, jungle justice and taking the law into their own hands, stressing that no individual or group had the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
It also reminded members of the public that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the fundamental right to life under Section 33, while unlawful killing constitutes a homicide offence under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The warning, according to the Command, was in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that cases of mob action resulting in death should be treated as homicide.
The IGP also directed that persons who participate in, organise, incite or support such attacks should face the full weight of the law, the statement said.
The Command urged residents to report suspected criminal activities to the Police rather than resorting to self-help, noting that an allegation or suspicion of wrongdoing does not give anyone the right to attack or kill another person.
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 contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.
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