Police Arrest Four Over Lagos Mob Killing Weeks Before Victim’s Wedding

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the mob killing of Basit Kolade, the young man attacked after a minor traffic dispute on Freeman Street, Lagos Island, less than three weeks before his wedding.

Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said in a statement on Sunday that the incident happened around 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2. Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus SUV with registration number KSF 115 JZ when a motorcycle reportedly rammed into the vehicle from behind.

An argument followed, and the SUV reportedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, throwing the rider to the ground. The commotion drew a crowd, some of whom attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons while his spouse was rescued by women nearby. He was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead. The motorcycle rider survived and is receiving treatment.

The command named the four suspects as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest others who took part in the attack.

The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation and legal action. Lagos Commissioner of Police Fatai Tijani directed that everyone found culpable be identified, arrested and prosecuted, and the command described the matter as a homicide, noting that Section 33 of the Constitution guarantees every person the right to life.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times