The Lagos
State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects over a mob
action which allegedly led to the death of one Basit Kolade following a road
traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
Announcing
their arrest in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Lagos State
Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the late Kolade was allegedly attacked by
a group of individuals on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.
“Preliminary
investigation revealed that Basit Kolade was travelling with his spouse, from
Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep, with registration
number KSF 115 JZ, when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from
behind,” Adebisi stated.
“An
argument reportedly ensued between both of them. 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.
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“The
motorcycle rider who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and
currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.”
According
to SP Adebisi, four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the
attack.
They
are Khalid Rafiq ‘m’ 20 years; Gafar Rahim ‘m’ 21 years; Ibrahim Azeez ‘m’ 33
years; and Samos Momoh ‘m’ 21 years.
Adebisi
said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly
participated in the attack.
The
police spokesperson added that the command has commenced an investigation into
the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case, and the matter has
been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID),
Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
“The
command wishes to reiterate that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life
under Section 33,” Adebisi said.
“The
Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically
recognised by law. Similarly, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful
killing constitutes an offence of homicide.
“The
law provides that unlawful killing may 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.”
The
Lagos State Police Command has warned members of the public against mob action,
jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance.
According
to SP Adebisi, no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try,
convict, or execute another person.
She
explained that the warning is consistent with the directive of the
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who has directed Police
Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide and
warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such
attacks will face the full weight of the law.
The
Command has reiterated that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not
confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.
Members
of the public have also been urged 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
has also assured members of the public that the investigation will be thorough
and professional, and that all persons found to have participated in the attack
or otherwise contributed to the death will be made to face the law.
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