Four men have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the alleged murder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, Hon. Remi Abass.
The defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (a.k.a. Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all residents of Ikire and Apomu, were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday.
They face a three-count charge bordering on terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and murder, following the killing of Abass on February 17, 2024, in Ikire, Osun State.
Representing the prosecution, A.S. Oyeyemi appeared on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, while Sunday Adebayo represented the defendants. Muhydeen Adeoye appeared for the nominal complainants.
According to the amended charge (No. FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025), the defendants were accused of conspiring to commit acts of terrorism across Osun State, in violation of Section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
They were also alleged to have conspired to possess three pump-action rifles illegally, contrary to the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, and to have murdered Hon. Abass, an offence punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act.
The four defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered their remand at the Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing.
The killing of Abass was reportedly linked to political clashes between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following the Court of Appeal’s ruling earlier in 2025, which reinstated APC local government chairmen elected under the previous administration of Gboyega Oyetola.
Tensions erupted across several councils after the ruling, as reinstated APC officials attempted to resume office, leading to violent confrontations in Irewole LGA, where Abass and others lost their lives.
Police investigations into the unrest led to the arrest of the four suspects now facing trial.
An earlier case involving seven other suspects, led by one Jide Jooda, was withdrawn after one of the accused persons reportedly died in custody.
The case is scheduled to continue on December 4, 2025.
