A man identified as Basit Kolade was beaten to death by a mob in Lagos Island, Lagos State, weeks after returning from abroad to prepare for his wedding.
The incident happened on Wednesday night in the Patey area of the community. According to residents, Basit was driving along Freeman Street when his car allegedly hit a man trying to cross the road. Instead of stopping, he reportedly drove on, prompting residents to chase and catch him before a mob attacked him.
A resident who witnessed the incident, speaking anonymously, said: "A resident was trying to cross the road when he rammed him. The moment it happened, people thought he would wait, but he did not. He was later chased and caught before the mob descended on him."
Another resident said the mob beat Basit with sticks and bottles, focusing on his head. "He was hit with sticks and bottles on his head, which caused a head injury. He lost consciousness and later died," Lawal said.
The attackers reportedly fled the scene once they realized Basit had become unresponsive. He was taken to Lagos Island General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, according to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer Abimbola Adebisi.
Basit's wedding was reportedly scheduled to happen in about two weeks.
Police say four suspects have been arrested in connection with his death. In a statement reported by Linda Ikeji's Blog, Adebisi said: "The Command strongly condemns the incident and warns members of the public against resorting to mob action, jungle justice, or any form of self-help. No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands. Anyone found culpable in the attack, including those who participated in the alleged mob action, will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law."
The police confirmed that the remains of the deceased have been taken to the morgue.
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