…Transfer case to SCID for further investigation

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of four suspects over a mob action which allegedly led to the death of one Basit Kolade following a road traffic incident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.

Announcing their arrest on Monday in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the late Kolade was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that Basit 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,” Adebisi stated.

“An argument reportedly ensued between both of them. In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.

“This reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Basit with dangerous weapons.

“His spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead.

“The motorcycle rider who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.”

According to SP Adebisi, four suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the attack.

They are Khalid Rafiq ‘m’ 20 years; Gafar Rahim ‘m’ 21 years; Ibrahim Azeez ‘m’ 33 years; and Samos Momoh ‘m’ 21 years.

Adebisi said efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.

The police spokesperson added that the command has commenced an investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case, and the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

“The command wishes to reiterate that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33,” Adebisi said.

“The Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically recognised by law. Similarly, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes an offence of homicide.

“The law provides that unlawful killing may amount to murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances. In particular, the provisions on murder cover unlawful killing with the intention to kill or cause grievous harm, with the law prescribing severe punishment upon conviction.”

The Lagos State Police Command has warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance.

According to SP Adebisi, no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict, or execute another person.

She explained that the warning is consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who has directed Police Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide and warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such attacks will face the full weight of the law.

The Command has reiterated that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands.

Members of the public have also been urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the police and allow the law to take its course.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Fatai has also assured members of the public that the investigation will be thorough and professional, and that all persons found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to the death will be made to face the law.