Four persons suspected to have hands in the murder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State, Remi Abass, 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 from Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, were taken before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
They are charged with the murder of Abass on February 17, 2024, in Ikire, Osun State, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.
The charge, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, contained three counts.
In Count One, the defendants were accused of conspiring, aiding, and instigating acts of terrorism in various towns and villages across Osun State, contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Count Two alleged that the defendants conspired to illegally possess firearms and were arrested with three pump-action rifles, contrary to Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Count Three charged the defendants with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, an offence contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
At the session the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges and upon hearing their plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered their remand at the Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing, in line with the agreement of counsel on both sides.
Abass’ murder is not unconnected to the long-standing political tension between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State over control of local government councils.
