Four men have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the killing of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, Hon. Remi Abass.
The defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (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 on Wednesday.
They face charges of terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and murder. The prosecution, led by A. S. Oyeyemi representing the Inspector General of Police, filed an amended three-count charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025. Count One accuses the defendants of conspiring, aiding, and instigating acts of terrorism across various Osun communities, contrary to the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Count Two alleges illegal possession of three pump-action rifles, in violation of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004.
Count Three charges them with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, an offence punishable under the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
All four pleaded not guilty, after which Justice Abdulmalik ordered their remand at the Kuje Custodial Centre pending trial. The case was adjourned to December 4, 2025, by mutual agreement of counsel.
The murder of Abass has been linked to political tensions between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, following a protracted dispute over control of local government councils. After the Court of Appeal in February 2025 upheld the 2022 APC-conducted local government elections and ordered the reinstatement of its officials, clashes broke out across several councils. In Irewole, the conflict led to the fatal attack on Abass and others.
Police investigations into the violence culminated in the arrest of the four accused persons. An earlier case involving seven other suspects was withdrawn after one defendant died in custody.
The matter resumes on December 4, 2025, for hearing.
