Police arrest 15 as mob kills motorcyclist over fake bandit attack in Lagos

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested no fewer than 15 persons following reports alleging that bandits invaded communities in Ibeju-Lekki, Imota, Oke-Afo, and other parts of the state.

Police said the viral posts were unfounded and intended to create fear, panic, and anxiety among residents.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, in a statement issued on Monday, June 1, 2026, said there was no security crisis, invasion, or coordinated attack on any school or community in the affected areas or elsewhere in the state.

Adebisi reassured residents that schools across Lagos remained safe, adding that security agencies had maintained adequate surveillance and presence in all communities.

Adebisi, however, revealed that the false alarm had already resulted in a tragic loss of life.

The police spokesperson disclosed that a 24-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Kulaha Ayuba, was allegedly mistaken for a bandit by youths acting on unverified reports.

Adebisi stated: “The victim was attacked and fatally assaulted, while his motorcycle was reportedly stolen.

“His body was subsequently discovered in a swamp within the community.”

She added that 15 suspects had been arrested in connection with the incident and have since been under investigation.

Adebisi assured the public that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.

Musician’s death: Court remands five police officers in Delta

She condemned the deliberate spread of unverified information capable of causing chaos, public disorder, ethnic profiling and mob violence.

Adebisi urged residents to disregard the viral posts and avoid sharing information that had not been verified through official channels.

She warned that individuals responsible for originating or deliberately circulating false and inciting information would be investigated and prosecuted.

Such information, she said, could trigger public alarm, ethnic tension and violence.

Adebisi quoted the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, as appealing to residents to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding.

The police spokesperson also urged the public to report suspicious activities through police stations or established emergency channels.

She urged residents not to rely on unverified reports circulating on social media.

Adebisi assured Lagos residents that adequate security measures remained in place to sustain peace and security across the state.