Four suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area in Osun State.
The defendants, identified as Abubakar Kabiru, Tajudeen Opeyemi, Akeem Agbomojo, and Akintoye Olayemi, are facing a three-count charge that includes:
- Conspiracy and Instigating Acts of Terrorism: For allegedly conspiring to instigate acts of terrorism in various parts of Osun State.
- Illegal Possession of Firearms: For allegedly being arrested with three pump-action rifles.
- Murder: For the killing of Hon. Remi Abass, an offense contrary to the Criminal Code Act.
All four suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following their plea, the presiding judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, ordered that they be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for a hearing.
Background to the Murder
The murder of Remi Abass on February 17, 2024, is linked to the long-standing political conflict between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the control of local government councils in the state.
The crisis began when a Court of Appeal judgment in February 2025 reinstated Abass and other APC council chairmen and councilors who had been removed from office by the PDP-led state government. Following the judgment, tensions flared as the reinstated officials attempted to resume their duties at the council secretariats. This led to clashes between rival political supporters, during which Abass was reportedly shot and killed.
The police launched an investigation into the violence, which resulted in the arrest and arraignment of the suspects. The Osun State government has condemned the violence and has called for justice to be served.
