Police arrest four over mob killing of man on Lagos Island
Lagos Police Arrest Four in Connection with Mob Killing
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects linked to the mob killing of Basit Kolade, who died following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
According to a statement from Police Public Relations Officer SP Abimbola Adebisi, the suspects were apprehended after the police intensified efforts to identify those involved in the attack. The arrests were made on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The incident occurred around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, when Kolade was driving with his wife in a black Lexus Jeep (registration number KSF 115 JZ) from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island. The police reported that a motorcycle collided with the vehicle from behind, prompting a dispute between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.
The situation escalated when Kolade allegedly reversed his vehicle, striking the motorcycle and causing both the rider and the bike to fall. This attracted a crowd, and some individuals reportedly assaulted Kolade with weapons.
While nearby women intervened to assist Kolade’s wife, he was later transported to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The motorcycle rider survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment.
The four suspects have been identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21. Investigators are actively seeking additional suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
The case has been classified as homicide and has been forwarded to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The police have issued a warning to residents against mob action and vigilante justice, emphasizing that no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, prosecute, or execute anyone. They cited the 1999 Constitution’s guarantee of the right to life and the Lagos State Criminal Law, which categorizes unlawful killing as an offense.
In line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the police stated that cases involving fatal mob attacks would be treated as homicide. The IGP also cautioned that those who participate in, organize, incite, or support such actions will face legal repercussions.
The public has been urged to report criminal incidents to the police and allow the legal system to address any allegations of wrongdoing. The Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, has instructed investigators to identify and apprehend all individuals involved and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The police assured the public that the investigation would be comprehensive and professional, stating that anyone involved in Kolade’s death would face justice.
