Four men accused of involvement in the murder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, Hon. Remi Abass, were arraigned on Wednesday before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The suspects — Abubakar Kabiru (a.k.a Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all from Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a three-count charge bordering on terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and murder.
According to the prosecution, led by A.S. Oyeyemi on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, the defendants played various roles in the February 17, 2024 killing of Abass, which occurred in Ikire amid ongoing political tensions in the state.
The Charges
The amended charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, includes the following:
- Count One: Conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism across various towns in Osun State, in violation of Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
- Count Two: Illegal possession of firearms, including three pump-action rifles, contrary to the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act.
- Count Three: The murder of Hon. Remi Abass, contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty.
Sunday Adebayo appeared as defence counsel, while Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants.
Following the plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre, and adjourned the matter to December 4, 2025, for hearing.
Political Tensions Behind the Killing
The murder of Abass is believed to be linked to the fierce power struggle between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government councils in Osun State.
In 2022, then-Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s APC-led government conducted local government elections shortly before leaving office. The PDP, then in opposition, boycotted the polls, calling them unconstitutional and later challenged the outcome in court.
After PDP’s Senator Ademola Adeleke assumed office, his administration dissolved the elected councils and installed caretaker committees. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal upheld the validity of the APC’s 2022 local council elections and ordered the reinstatement of the elected officials.
The ruling sparked unrest in several LGAs as APC officials attempted to resume office. In Irewole LGA, violent clashes reportedly broke out between rival party supporters, culminating in the killing of Abass and others.
Background and Previous Charges
The police launched a full investigation into the incident, leading to the arrest and arraignment of the four defendants. A previous case involving seven other suspects, led by one Jide Jooda, was withdrawn after one of the accused died in custody.
The court will reconvene on December 4, 2025, to begin hearing in the matter.
