Police warn Lagos residents against jungle justice after mob kills man

The Lagos State Police Command has issued a stern warning against mob violence following the fatal beating of a man named Basit in Lagos Island. This incident occurred just two weeks before Basit's wedding, on September 2nd, 2026. According to the police, Basit was beaten to death by a mob in the Patey area after his vehicle struck a pedestrian.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, made this warning clear in a video statement. Adebisi emphasized that jungle justice, or mob killing, is a criminal act and not justice. She stressed that such actions amount to murder or manslaughter and are punishable under the Lagos State Criminal Law, particularly Sections 245 and 246 which deal with grievous harm and unlawful wounding.

Adebisi warned that if a mob attack leads to serious injury or death, the police would treat it as a criminal offence. She also cautioned that individuals participating in such mob attacks could become suspects themselves. Adebisi urged witnesses of such incidents not to remain passive but to report the matter to the police immediately.

She further advised residents against encouraging mob action, supplying weapons, or inciting violence. The police spokesperson assured the residents that the command would investigate cases of jungle justice and seek justice for victims through lawful means.