Lagos: Police arrest 4 over freeman street mob killing

The Lagos state Police command arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged mob killing of a man, identified as Basit Kolade, following a road traffic incident on Freeman street, Lagos Island.

Kolade was allegedly attacked with dangerous weapons by a mob after an argument broke out following a collision involving his black Lexus Jeep and a motorcycle at about 10:40pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.

According to the Command’s spokespersons, SP, Adebisi Abimbola, in a statement issued on Monday, Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island when a motorcycle allegedly collided with his vehicle from behind.

The collision reportedly triggered an argument between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.

During the confrontation, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.

The incident attracted several people in the area, who allegedly descended on Kolade and attacked him with dangerous weapons.

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

The motorcycle rider survived the incident and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

The police identified the four suspects arrested so far 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 allegedly involved in the attack.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The police said the incident was being treated as a homicide, warning residents against mob action, jungle justice and taking the law into their own hands.

The Command cited Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the fundamental right to life, as well as relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State on unlawful killing.

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

The Command said the action was also in line with a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, that cases of mob action resulting in death should be treated as homicide.

The police warned that anyone who participates in, organises, incites or supports a mob attack resulting in death would face the full weight of the law.

The Command urged members of the public to report suspected criminal activities to the police rather than resorting to self-help.