Police arrest four over alleged mob killing in Lagos

Four people have been arrested over the alleged mob killing of Basit Kolade after a road accident on Freeman Street, Lagos Island, according to the Lagos State Police Command.

Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the incident occurred at about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 2 September. Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta toward Lagos Island in a black Lexus SUV when a motorcycle allegedly struck the vehicle from behind.

The collision led to an argument between Kolade and the motorcycle rider. Adebisi said the vehicle later reversed and hit the motorcycle, throwing the rider and the motorcycle to the ground. People gathered at the scene, and some allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons. Women in the area rescued his spouse.

Kolade was taken to Lagos Island General Hospital, where doctors confirmed his death. The motorcycle rider survived and remains in hospital, police said. The four arrested suspects are Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation and legal action. Commissioner of Police Tijani Fatai ordered investigators to identify everyone involved. Police said they were treating the incident as homicide and warned that anyone who takes part in, organises, incites or supports a mob attack would face prosecution.