Susan Abayomi
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the death of one Basit Kolade following an alleged mob attack after a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adebisi Abimbola, the incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta to Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep with registration number KSF 115 JZ when a motorcycle reportedly collided with the vehicle from behind.
The incident allegedly led to an argument between the motorcycle rider and the occupants of the vehicle. During the confrontation, the vehicle reportedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.
The situation reportedly attracted a group of people in the area, who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons. While his spouse was rescued by some women nearby, Kolade was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital.
The Police Command disclosed that four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the alleged attack. They are Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The Command added that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the attack.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Police warned residents against engaging in mob action, jungle justice, or taking laws into their own hands, stressing that no individual or group has the authority to arrest, punish, or execute anyone suspected of committing an offence.
The Command also noted that unlawful killing remains a criminal offence under Nigerian law and assured that anyone found responsible for the incident would face the full consequences of the law.
The warning follows the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, that cases of mob action resulting in death should be treated as homicide and that all persons involved would be prosecuted.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed that all suspects connected to the incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in line with the law.
He assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and that all persons found to have contributed to Kolade’s death would be brought to justice.
