The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects connected with the mob killing of a motorist, Basit Kolade involved with a traffic dispute on Free man Street, Lagos Island which turned out deadly on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
It was disclosed in a statement signed by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, that the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. after a motorcycle allegedly collided with Kolade’s vehicle from behind.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Kolade was driving with his spouse in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island, when the motorcycle ran into their vehicle.
An argument ensued between the motorist and the rider. In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the bike to fall and the crash drew the attention of residents in the area and passersby. The crowd reportedly descended on Kolade with dangerous weapons who eventually, was confirmed dead at Lagos Island General Hospital where he was rushed to. His wife was rescued by women in the area.
It was further reported that the motorcycle rider, who was hit during the incident, survived and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
Police said four persons have so far been arrested in connection with the attack:
1. Khalid Rafiq, 20 years
2. Gafar Rahim, 21 years
3. Ibrahim Azeez, 33 years
4. Samos Momoh, 21 years
The Command stated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals who allegedly participated in the attack.
The command has commensed investigation into the incident which is being classified as homicide case and it has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Panti for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, addressing the incident, the Lagos Police reiterated that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to life under Section 33, and that deprivation of life is only permitted under circumstances recognised by law.
Citing the Criminal Law of Lagos State, police noted that unlawful killing constitutes homicide and may amount to murder or manslaughter depending on intent and circumstances. Murder, the law provides, carries severe punishment upon conviction.
“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 read.
The warning aligns with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who ordered Commands nationwide to treat mob action cases resulting in death as homicide. The IGP warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such attacks will face the full weight of the law.
However, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, PSC, mnips has directed that all persons found culpable in the unpleasant incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted according with the law.
He assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and professional, and that anyone who participated in the attack or contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.
The Command further urged members of the public to report criminal incidents to the Police promptly and allow due process to take its course, stressing that “suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.”
This is a developing story. Further updates are expected as SCID continues investigations.
