Four arrested for killing Lagos man weeks before wedding

File: A Nigerian Policeman.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the death of Basit Kolade, who was allegedly attacked by a mob in the Lagos Island area of the state.

PUNCH Metro reported on Monday that the incident happened weeks before Kolade’s wedding.

The spokesperson for the command, Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement on Sunday, stated that the incident occurred around 10:40 pm on Wednesday, September 2, on Freeman Street, Lagos Island.

According to her, Kolade was travelling with his spouse in a black Lexus Jeep when a motorcycle allegedly collided with the vehicle from behind.

Adebisi said an argument ensued, adding that the vehicle subsequently reversed and hit the motorcycle, causing the rider and the motorcycle to fall.

“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.

“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 that while Basit was being attacked, his spouse was rescued by women in the area.

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The statement added that the victim was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

Adebisi added that the motorcycle rider survived and was receiving treatment.

The command identified the four suspects arrested in connection with the incident as Khalid Rafiq, 20; Gafar Rahim, 21; Ibrahim Azeez, 33; and Samos Momoh, 21.

The police spokesperson also noted that efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other persons allegedly involved in the attack.

“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.

“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, in the statement,  directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

The command assured the public that the investigation would be conducted professionally and thoroughly.