Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of Basit Kolade, who was allegedly beaten to death by a mob on Lagos Island just weeks before he was due to get married.
The Lagos State Police Command said the incident occurred around 10:40 pm on Wednesday, September 2, on Freeman Street, Lagos Island, after a minor road collision spiralled into a fatal attack.
According to the command's spokesperson, Abimbola Adebisi, Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black SUV when a motorcycle collided with the vehicle from behind, sparking a confrontation between the two parties.
‘Preliminary investigation revealed that Basit 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,’ Adebisi said in a statement issued Sunday.
‘An argument reportedly ensued between both of them. In the course of the incident, the vehicle allegedly reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall. This reportedly attracted a group of individuals in the area, who allegedly attacked Basit with dangerous weapons,’ she said.
Adebisi said Kolade's spouse was pulled to safety by women in the area while he was being attacked.
He was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.
The motorcycle rider survived the fall and is receiving treatment, she added.
The command identified the four suspects arrested over the attack as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.
Adebisi said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other people allegedly involved.
‘The Command has commenced an investigation into the incident, which is being treated as a homicide case, and the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action,’ she said.
‘The Command wishes to reiterate that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33. The Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances specifically recognised by law,’ the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted, according to the statement.
The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly.
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