The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged mob killing of Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
The suspects — Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21 — were arrested in connection with the attack and have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Monday, describing the case as a homicide.
According to the police, the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, after Kolade and his spouse were travelling from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ.
Adebisi said preliminary investigation indicated that a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind, leading to an argument between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.
“During the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall,” she said.
The confrontation reportedly attracted other people in the area, who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
While Kolade’s spouse was rescued by some women at the scene, the victim was taken to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider, however, survived the incident and was receiving treatment at a hospital, according to the police.
The command said efforts were continuing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the attack.
Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, had directed investigators to establish the roles of all persons connected to the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable was arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
She said the commissioner had also assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and professionally.
The police spokesperson warned residents against mob action and jungle justice, stressing that an allegation or suspicion of wrongdoing does not give individuals the right to punish suspects outside the legal system.
“No individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person,” Adebisi said.
The warning followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that police commands should treat mob attacks resulting in death as homicide cases.
According to Adebisi, the IGP warned that anyone who participates in, organises, incites or supports such attacks would face the full weight of the law.
“Suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands,” she said.
The command urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activity promptly to the police rather than resorting to self-help.
The police said the investigation would also seek to identify all persons who participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to Kolade’s death.
