Four men accused of involvement in the killing of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Hon. 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, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik. They were charged with terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and murder.
Prosecuting counsel A. S. Oyeyemi represented the Inspector-General of Police, while Sunday Adebayo appeared for the defendants. Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants. The amended charge, marked 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 them with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, contrary to 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 at the Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the matter to December 4, 2025, for hearing.
The killing of Abass, a member of the All Progressives Congress, has been linked to lingering political tensions between APC and the Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State over control of local government councils, which escalated following court rulings and rival claims to leadership in Irewole.