FREEMAN STREET MOB ACTION: POLICE ARREST FOUR OVER DEATH OF MAN
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
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.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at about 10:40 p.m., following a road traffic incident involving Kolade and a motorcycle rider.
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 ensued between the parties. During the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit 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.
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 involved in the incident survived and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
The police said four suspects had so far been arrested in connection with the alleged attack.
They were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
It added that the case was being treated as a homicide and had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.
The Command warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice and resorting to self-help, stressing that no individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.
It noted that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees the fundamental right to life under Section 33 and permits deprivation of life only in circumstances recognised by law.
The police also cited the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which provides for offences relating to unlawful killing, including murder and manslaughter, depending on the circumstances of each case.
The warning, according to the Command, is in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directing police commands to treat cases of mob action 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 Command urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the police and allow the law to take its course, rather than resorting to violence.
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 otherwise contributed to Kolade’s death would be made to face the law.
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