Four suspects have been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command in connection with the alleged mob attack that led to the death of a man identified as Basit Kolade on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
The incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a road traffic incident involving Kolade and a motorcycle rider.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed 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.
The collision reportedly led to an argument between Kolade and the motorcycle rider. During the confrontation, the Lexus SUV allegedly reversed and struck the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
The incident reportedly attracted a group of people in the area, who allegedly descended on Kolade and attacked him with dangerous weapons.
Kolade’s spouse was reportedly rescued by some women in the vicinity while the victim was taken to Lagos Island General Hospital for medical attention. He was, however, subsequently confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital, according to the police.
The Lagos State Police Command said four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the alleged attack. The suspects were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other individuals who allegedly participated in the attack.
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The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Command said the matter was being treated as a homicide case, stressing that no individual or group had the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
The Lagos State Police Command warned residents against mob action, jungle justice and other forms of self-help.
It stressed that allegations or suspicion of wrongdoing do not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.
The Command cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, which guarantees the fundamental right to life.
It also noted that the Criminal Law of Lagos State criminalises unlawful killing, which may constitute murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances of each case.
According to the police, the position is also in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directing police formations to treat cases of mob action resulting in death as homicide.
The Command warned that anyone who participates in, organises, incites or supports such attacks would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, directed investigators to identify and arrest all persons found culpable in the incident. He also ordered that those found responsible be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Fatai assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and professionally. He said everyone found to have participated in the alleged attack or contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, SP Abimbola Adebesi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the roles played by those allegedly involved.
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