The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the mob attack that led to the death of a motorist, Basit Kolade, at Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
Kolade was allegedly attacked by a mob following a road traffic incident on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, who confirmed the incident yesterday, said preliminary investigation revealed that Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus SUV with registration number KSF 115 JZ when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind.
According to her, an argument subsequently ensued between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.
Adebisi said: “In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
“This reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Basit with dangerous weapons.
“His spouse was 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 who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.”
The police spokesperson disclosed that four suspects had so far been arrested in connection with the attack.
They were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
She said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
According to Adebisi, the command has commenced investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case.
She added that the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The command, while warning against mob action and jungle justice, reminded members of the public that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33.
“The Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically recognised by law,” she said.
Adebisi further stated that under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes an offence of homicide and could amount to murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances.
“In particular, the provisions on murder cover unlawful killing with the intention to kill or cause grievous harm, with the law prescribing severe punishment upon conviction,” she added.
The command warned members of the public against resorting to mob action, jungle justice and self-help, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
The warning, according to the police, is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, who directed police commands across the country to treat cases of mob action resulting in death as homicide.
The IGP also warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite or support such attacks would face the full weight of the law.
The command reiterated that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.
It urged members of the public to promptly report criminal incidents to the police and allow the law to take its course.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Fatai assured members of 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 full weight of the law.”
