METRO
FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED OVER DEATH OF LAGOS MAN WEEKS BEFORE WEDDING
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the death of Basit Kolade, a man who was allegedly attacked by a mob on Lagos Island just weeks before his wedding. The incident occurred around 10:40pm on Wednesday, September 2, on Freeman Street, following an altercation involving Kolade and a motorcycle rider. Police said the matter has been classified as a homicide case and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.
According to the police, Kolade was travelling with his spouse from Ebute Metta towards Lagos Island in a black Lexus Jeep when a motorcycle reportedly collided with the vehicle from behind. An argument subsequently broke out between the parties, after which the vehicle allegedly reversed and struck the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall. The confrontation reportedly attracted other people in the area, who allegedly surrounded Kolade and attacked him with dangerous weapons.
During the attack, Kolade's wife was reportedly rescued by women in the area, while he was left seriously injured. He was subsequently rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital for medical attention, but doctors confirmed that he had died. The motorcycle rider involved in the initial incident survived and was receiving treatment, according to the police.
The four suspects arrested by the police were identified as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21. The command said investigations were continuing and that efforts were being made to identify and apprehend other individuals suspected of taking part in the attack.
The death has drawn attention because Kolade was reportedly preparing for his wedding before the fatal incident. Police spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi said the command was treating the case seriously and would pursue appropriate legal action after the investigation. The development comes amid renewed concerns over mob attacks and the dangers of residents taking the law into their own hands during disputes.