Police Detain 4 Over Lagos Mob Killing

The Lagos State Police Command has detained four suspects over the alleged mob attack that led to the death of Mr Basit Kolade.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

Adebisi said the incident occurred about 10:40 p.m. on Wednesday following a road traffic incident involving Kolade and a motorcycle rider.

She said preliminary investigation showed that Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep.

According to her, a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind, resulting in an argument between Kolade and the rider.

She said the vehicle subsequently reversed and allegedly hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and motorcycle to fall.

The spokesperson said the incident attracted a group of people who allegedly attacked Kolade with dangerous weapons.

Adebisi said some women in the area rescued Kolade’s spouse, while he was rushed to Lagos Island General Hospital.

She said Kolade was later confirmed dead at the hospital, while the motorcycle rider survived and was receiving treatment.

The spokesperson said four suspects, aged between 31 and 33, had so far been apprehended in connection with the alleged attack.

She said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the incident.

Adebisi said the command had commenced an investigation into the incident as a homicide case.

She said the matter had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, for further investigation and appropriate legal action.

The spokesperson warned members of the public against mob action, jungle justice and resorting to self-help.

She stressed that no individual or group had the legal authority to arrest, try, convict or execute another person.

According to Adebisi, the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees every person the fundamental right to life under Section 33.

She said the Constitution permits deprivation of life only in circumstances recognised by law.

Adebisi added that unlawful killing constituted homicide under the Criminal Law of Lagos State and could amount to murder or manslaughter.

She said the command’s position was consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu.

The I-G had directed police commands to treat mob actions resulting in death as homicide, she said.

Adebisi said Disu had also warned that anyone who participated in, organised, incited or supported such attacks would face the full weight of the law.

She urged members of the public to report criminal incidents promptly to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands.

The spokesperson stressed that suspicion or allegations of wrongdoing did not confer on anyone the right to resort to self-help.

Adebisi said the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Fatai Tijani, directed that all culpable persons be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

She assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and professional, with all those responsible facing the law.