Police in Lagos have arrested four suspects over the alleged mob attack that led to the death of a Lexus driver, Basit Kolade, on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.
Kolade was allegedly attacked with dangerous weapons by a group of people following a road traffic incident.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep, registration number KSF 115 JZ, when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind.
She said the incident occurred following an argument which reportedly ensued between Kolade and the motorcycle rider.
She said during the confrontation, the Lexus driver allegedly reversed and struck the motorcycle, causing the rider and motorcycle to fall.
“The incident reportedly attracted a crowd, who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons. His spouse was rescued by some women in the area, while Kolade was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” she added.
The PPRO said the motorcycle rider survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment in hospital.
She identified the four suspects arrested as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
She said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated in the attack.
“The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action,” she said.
The police spokeperson said the incident was being treated as a homicide, warning Lagos residents against mob action, jungle justice and self-help.
Adebisi stressed that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not give anyone the right to take the law into their own hands, urging members of the public to report criminal incidents to the police and allow due process to take its course.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, 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 contributed to Kolade’s death would face the full weight of the law.
