The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob attack that led to the death of a man, Basit Kolade, on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
Kolade was allegedly attacked by a group of people following a road traffic incident on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.
According to the police, preliminary investigation revealed that 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.
An argument reportedly broke out between Kolade and the motorcycle rider. During the confrontation, the Lexus 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 attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.
While Kolade’s spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, the victim was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital, the police said.
The four suspects arrested so far 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.
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 Command warned residents against mob action, jungle justice and taking the law into their own hands, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
It noted that Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life, while unlawful killing constitutes homicide under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The police said the directive was also in line with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who directed police commands to treat mob actions resulting in death as homicide.
The IGP also 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 that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He 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.