Lagos Police: Basit Kolade Murder Lagos Island Arrests Four Suspects

• Basit Kolade died after a mob attack on Freeman Street, Lagos Island, following a vehicle collision and argument.
• The incident occurred weeks before Kolade's wedding, with his spouse rescued during the assault.
• The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects: Khalid Rafiq, Gafar Rahim, Ibrahim Azeez, and Samos Momoh.
• The case is being investigated as a homicide by the SCID Panti, with efforts ongoing to arrest more individuals.
• Police emphasized Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution, guaranteeing the fundamental right to life.

In addressing the tragic death of Basit Kolade, the Lagos State Police Command has underscored the fundamental right to life enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution.

Basit Kolade's life was tragically cut short in a mob attack on Freeman Street, Lagos Island, just weeks before his wedding. The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:40 pm on Wednesday, September 2, began with a collision involving Kolade's black Lexus Jeep, bearing registration number KSF 115 JZ, and a motorcycle. Kolade was traveling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island when the motorcycle reportedly struck their vehicle from behind.

An argument quickly escalated following the initial impact. During the confrontation, Kolade's vehicle allegedly reversed, subsequently hitting the motorcycle and causing both the rider and the bike to fall. This turn of events drew the attention of a group of individuals in the vicinity, who then reportedly launched a violent assault on Basit Kolade using dangerous weapons. While Kolade was being attacked, his spouse was fortunately rescued by women present in the area.

Following the brutal assault, Basit Kolade was immediately transported to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. The motorcycle rider involved in the initial collision survived the incident and is currently receiving medical treatment. This tragic event has prompted a significant response from law enforcement authorities in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Command has swiftly initiated a homicide investigation into the death of Basit Kolade, leading to the arrest of four suspects in connection with the Lagos mob attack. Command spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi confirmed these developments in a statement issued on Sunday. The arrested individuals have been identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.

The Basit Kolade case has been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) Panti for further, in-depth investigation and the commencement of appropriate legal proceedings. Authorities within the Lagos State Police Command homicide unit are actively pursuing leads to identify and apprehend any other persons allegedly involved in the fatal assault. Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, Fatai Tijani, has issued a directive ensuring that all individuals found culpable in this incident will be identified, arrested, and subsequently prosecuted.

In addressing the tragic death of Basit Kolade, the Lagos State Police Command has underscored the fundamental right to life enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. The Command's statement explicitly referenced Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which guarantees this essential right to every individual. It further clarified that deprivation of life is only permissible under circumstances specifically recognized by law.

This emphasis highlights the gravity with which law enforcement views incidents of mob violence, particularly when they result in fatalities. By invoking Section 33 right to life Nigeria, the police are reinforcing the legal framework designed to protect citizens from unlawful killings and to ensure that those responsible for such acts are held accountable. The ongoing homicide investigation into the Lagos mob attack serves as a clear demonstration of the state's resolve to uphold constitutional protections and prosecute offenders.

The commitment to a professional and thorough investigation, as assured by the Lagos State Police Command, aims to ensure that justice is served for Basit Kolade and to deter future acts of vigilantism. This case exemplifies the authorities' dedication to maintaining law and order and safeguarding the lives of its citizens against unlawful aggression.

This case highlights the Nigerian police's commitment to investigating and prosecuting mob violence leading to death, reinforcing the fundamental right to life under Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution. Criminal defense lawyers and human rights advocates should note the police's proactive stance against 'jungle justice' and the specific legal framework being invoked in such high-profile cases in Lagos.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Metro.