Thursday, October 16, 2025 - Four suspects allegedly linked to the m8rder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government area in Osun State, Remi Abass, were arraigned on Wednesday 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 arraigned before Justice Joyce
Abdulmalik.
They were charged with terrorism, illegal possession of
firearms, and the m8rder of Abass, who was k!lled on February 17, 2024, in
Ikire, Osun State.
Appearing for the prosecution, 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, 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.
All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that they
be remanded 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.
The k!lling of Abass is linked to the long-standing
political tension between the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples
Democratic Party in Osun State over control of local government council.
In 2022, the then APC-led administration of former Governor
Gboyega Oyetola conducted local government elections shortly before leaving
office — polls which the PDP, then in opposition, boycotted and later
challenged in court, describing them as unconstitutional.
After the PDP’s Senator Ademola Adeleke became governor, his
administration dissolved the councils and appointed caretaker committees.
However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal declared that
the election of the APC council chairmen and councillors was valid and ordered
their reinstatement.
Following that judgment, tensions flared across several
local government areas as the reinstated APC officials attempted to resume
duties.
In Irewole Local Government, clashes reportedly broke out
between rival political supporters, leading to the death of Abass and several
others.
The police subsequently launched an investigation into the
violence, which resulted in the arrest and arraignment of the four defendants.
An earlier charge involving seven suspects, led by one
Jide Jooda, was withdrawn by the prosecution after one of the accused died
while awaiting trial.
The matter has now been adjourned to December 4,
2025.
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