Four Arraigned in Abuja Over Murder of Osun LG Chairman Remi Abass

Four men alleged to be involved in the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, were on Wednesday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (also known as Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all residents of Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.

They were charged with terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and murder in connection with the death of Abass, who was killed on February 17, 2024, in Ikire.

Police Charge Defendants With Terrorism, Firearms Possession, and Murder

Prosecuting counsel A.S. Oyeyemi, representing the Inspector General of Police, led the case, while Sunday Adebayo appeared for the defendants. Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants.

The amended three-count charge (FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025) accuses the defendants of:

1. Conspiring, aiding, and instigating acts of terrorism across several towns in Osun State — an offence punishable under Section 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
2. Illegal possession of firearms, after allegedly being caught with three pump-action rifles — contrary to Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004.
3. Murdering Hon. Remi Abass, in violation of Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Abdulmalik ordered that they be remanded in Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing, in line with the agreement between prosecution and defence.

Political Tension Behind the Killing

The murder of Abass has been linked to long-running political tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government councils in Osun State.

The dispute traces back to 2022, when the then APC-led government of Gboyega Oyetola conducted council elections shortly before leaving office — polls that the PDP boycotted and later challenged as unconstitutional.

After Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP assumed office, his administration dissolved the elected councils and installed caretaker committees. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the APC, declaring the previous elections valid and ordering the reinstatement of the ousted officials.

The court ruling reignited clashes across several local governments, including Irewole, where violent confrontations between rival party supporters reportedly led to Abass’s death and multiple injuries.

Following the incident, police investigations resulted in several arrests and prosecutions. An earlier case involving seven suspects, led by Jide Jooda, was withdrawn after one defendant died in custody.

The new trial continues on December 4, 2025.

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