Police arrest four over mob killing of man on Lagos Island
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the alleged mob killing of a man identified as Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
The suspects were arrested after the command intensified efforts to identify individuals allegedly involved in the attack, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on Monday, September 7, 2026.
The police said the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, when Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ.
According to the command, a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind, leading to an argument between Kolade and the rider.
The situation reportedly escalated when the vehicle reversed and struck the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
The police said the incident attracted a crowd, some of whom allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
While some women in the area reportedly intervened to rescue his wife, Kolade was taken to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The motorcycle rider survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital, the command said.
The four suspects arrested in connection with the alleged mob attack were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The command said investigators were making efforts to apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the attack.
The case has been treated as a homicide and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The police warned residents against mob action and other forms of jungle justice, stressing that individuals or groups have no legal authority to arrest, prosecute, convict or execute anyone.
“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 cited the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to life, and the Criminal Law of Lagos State, under which unlawful killing constitutes an offence.
According to the police, the position is in line with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that cases involving mob attacks resulting in death should be treated as homicide.
The IGP, the command added, had warned that anyone who participates in, organises, incites or supports such attacks would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The police stressed that an allegation or suspicion of wrongdoing does not justify violence against any individual.
“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 investigators to identify and arrest all persons found culpable in the incident and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and professionally, adding that anyone found to have participated in the attack or contributed to Kolade’s death would be brought to justice.