The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged mob attack that led to the death of Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
In a statement on Monday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said four suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.
According to her, the suspects are Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
Adebisi said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
“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, Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” she said.
She said the Police would ensure that all persons found culpable were brought to justice, adding that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing did not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.
Adebisi warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice and resorting to self-help under any circumstance.
“No individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person,” she said.
The Police spokesperson said the warning was consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who had directed Police Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide.
She said the IGP had also warned that persons who participated in, organised, incited or supported such attacks would face the full weight of the law.
Adebisi further reminded members of the public that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33, while unlawful killing constitutes an offence under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
“Members of the public are urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the Police and allow the law to take its course,” she said.
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 preliminary investigations, a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind, leading to an argument between Kolade and the rider.
The Police said the vehicle allegedly reversed during the altercation 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.
While Kolade’s spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, he was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider allegedly involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
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.
Adebisi said the Command would conduct a thorough and professional investigation, assuring that anyone found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to Kolade’s death would face the law.
