Inform Lagos

PRESS RELEASE

FREEMAN STREET MOB ACTION: FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED, CASE TRANSFERRED TO SCID FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed a mob action which allegedly led to the death of one Basit Kolade, who was allegedly attacked by a group of individuals following a road traffic incident at Freeman Street, Lagos Island, on Wednesday, 2nd September 2026, at about 10:40 p.m.

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. His spouse was rescued by some women in the vicinity, while Kolade was rushed to the Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was subsequently confirmed dead. The motorcycle rider who was allegedly hit in the incident is, however, alive and currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Four (4) suspects have so far been arrested in connection with the attack. They are Khalid Rafiq ‘m’ 20 years; Gafar Rahim ‘m’ 21 years; Ibrahim Azeez ‘m’ 33 years; and Samos Momoh ‘m’ 21 years. Efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other persons who allegedly participated 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.

Similarly, under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, unlawful killing constitutes an offence of homicide. The law provides that unlawful killing may amount to murder or manslaughter depending on the circumstances. In particular, the provisions on murder cover unlawful killing with the intention to kill or cause grievous harm, with the law prescribing severe punishment upon conviction.

The Command therefore warns members of the public against mob action, jungle justice, and the resort to self-help under any circumstance. No individual or group has the legal authority to arrest, try, convict, or execute another person.

The warning is consistent with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, who has directed Police Commands to treat cases involving mob action resulting in death as homicide and warned that persons who participate in, organise, incite, or support such attacks will face the full weight of the law.

The Command reiterates that suspicion or an allegation of wrongdoing does not confer on anyone the right to take the law into their own hands. Members of the public are urged to promptly report criminal incidents to the Police and allow the law to take its course.

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, psc, mnips, has directed that all persons found culpable in the incident be identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He assures members of the public that the investigation will be thorough and professional, and that all persons found to have participated in the attack or otherwise contributed to the death will be made to face the law.

SP ABIMBOLA ADEBISI, anipr, mipra,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
LAGOS STATE COMMAND, IKEJA.

7TH SEPTEMBER, 2026.

Nigeria Police Force arrests miscreants who attack motorists in traffic and force them to part with their valuables.

IGP Disu Urges Police Officers to Prepare Early for Retirement, Acquire New Skills as He Pushes Better Welfare for Retirees

The Inspector-General of Police, , has called on serving police officers across the country to begin preparing for retirement early by acquiring new skills, pursuing further education, and making prudent financial decisions to ensure a productive and fulfilling life after active service.

The IGP made the appeal on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the Gallant Officers Recognition & Welfare Initiative 2026, organised virtually by Naija Police & U (Friend or Friend), where he also advocated stronger welfare programmes and sustainable support for retired police personnel.

Speaking on the theme, "Life After Police: Building Purpose, Welfare and Opportunities Beyond Service," Disu said police officers devote their lives to protecting citizens and safeguarding national security, often at great personal sacrifice, and therefore deserve dignity, recognition, and opportunities beyond retirement.

According to him, policing is far more than a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, courage, and nation-building. He noted that officers routinely work under difficult and dangerous conditions, spend long periods away from their families, and respond to emergencies that place their lives at risk.

He stressed that retirement should not be viewed as the end of an officer's relevance but as the beginning of another meaningful phase of life, where retired personnel can continue contributing to society through mentorship, entrepreneurship, community development, leadership, and other productive engagements.

The police chief urged officers still in active service to prepare for retirement throughout their careers by developing additional vocational and professional skills, embracing lifelong learning, investing wisely, and maintaining sound financial discipline.

"A successful retirement is not achieved by chance; it is the product of careful planning, discipline and informed decision-making throughout one's career," the IGP stated.

Disu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, describing officer welfare as a strategic requirement for effective policing. He disclosed that ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force are focused on strengthening healthcare services, psychological support, professional development, capacity building, and retirement preparedness.

While acknowledging government efforts, the Inspector-General stressed that responsibility for the welfare of retired officers should not rest on government alone. He called on the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based groups, and other well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in providing support programmes that improve the quality of life of retired officers.

He commended the organisers of the Gallant Officers Recognition & Welfare Initiative for promoting recognition, mentorship, and welfare support for serving and retired police officers, describing the initiative as one that would strengthen public confidence and police-community relations.

The IGP further congratulated officers honoured during the event, praising them for their courage, professionalism, discipline, and selfless service to the nation.

Addressing retired officers, Disu expressed appreciation for their years of dedication and sacrifice, assuring them that their contributions to nation-building remain invaluable.

"The institution you helped to build continues to benefit from your contributions, and your wealth of experience remains an invaluable national asset. We honour your legacy and encourage you to remain active as mentors, community leaders and ambassadors of the noble ideals of policing," he said.

The event featured the recognition of distinguished officers as well as discussions on retirement planning, welfare enhancement, and opportunities available to retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Nigeria Police Force