Police Arrest Four Over Lagos Street Mob Killing

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of a man, identified as Basit Kolade, following a road traffic incident at Freeman Street, Lagos Island.

The command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on Monday, September 7, 2026, saying the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2.

According to the police, 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.

The incident reportedly triggered an argument between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.

The police said the vehicle allegedly reversed during the altercation and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.

The development reportedly attracted a group of people in the area who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.

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While his wife was rescued by some women in the vicinity, Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The motorcycle rider involved in the incident survived and is receiving medical treatment in a hospital, according to the command.

The four suspects arrested over the attack were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.

The command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the attack.

The case has been classified as a homicide and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The police warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.

“The Command therefore warns members of the public against mob action, jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance. No individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict, or execute another person,” the statement said.

The command also reminded residents that the 1999 Constitution guarantees the right to life and that unlawful killing constitutes an offence under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

It said the position was consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed police commands to treat cases of mob action resulting in death as homicide.

The command said Disu had also warned that anyone who participates in, organises, incites or supports such attacks would face the full weight of the law.

The police stressed that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing did not give anyone the right to resort to violence.

“Members of the public are urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the Police and allow the law to take its course,” the statement added.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, directed that all persons found culpable in the incident should be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The command assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and professional, adding that anyone found to have participated in the attack or contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.