On Wednesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja formally charged four police-arrest-10-stolen-motorcycle-receivers-recover-7/” title=”Kano … Crack Down: Arrest 10 Motorcycle Thieves' Receivers, Recover Seven Stolen Bikes”>individuals suspected of involvement in the assassination of Remi Abass, the former Chairman of Irewole Local Government in Osun State.
The accused-Abubakar Kabiru (also known as Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40)-all hail from the towns of Ikire and Apomu in Osun State. They appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik to face the allegations.
They stand accused of terrorism, unlawful possession of firearms, and the murder of Abass, who was fatally shot on February 17, 2024, in Ikire.
Representing the prosecution was A. S. Oyeyemi on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, while Sunday Adebayo served as defense counsel. Additionally, Muhydeen Adeoye was present to represent the interests of the nominal complainants.
The amended charge sheet, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, outlines three specific counts:
- Count One: The defendants are accused of conspiring, facilitating, and inciting terrorist activities across multiple communities in Osun State, violating Section 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
- Count Two: They allegedly conspired to unlawfully possess firearms, being apprehended 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: The defendants face charges for the murder of Honorable Remi Abass, an offense punishable under Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
All four pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
Following their plea, Justice Abdulmalik ordered their detention at the Kuje Custodial Centre and scheduled the next hearing for December 4, 2025, as agreed upon by both legal teams.
The killing of Abass is deeply intertwined with the ongoing political rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, particularly concerning control over local government councils.
Back in 2022, the APC-led government under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola conducted local government elections shortly before the end of its tenure. The PDP, then in opposition, boycotted these elections and later contested their legality in court, labeling them unconstitutional.
After Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP assumed governorship, his administration dissolved the elected councils and installed caretaker committees.
However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled that the APC’s local government elections were valid and ordered the reinstatement of the elected chairmen and councillors.
This ruling sparked heightened tensions in several local government areas, as the reinstated APC officials sought to resume their roles.
In Irewole Local Government, these political clashes escalated into violent confrontations between opposing party supporters, culminating in the death of Abass and others.
Subsequently, the police launched an investigation into the unrest, leading to the arrest and prosecution of the four suspects currently before the court.
Previously, a related case involving seven suspects, led by an individual named Jide Jooda, was dropped after one accused person died while awaiting trial.
The case is now adjourned until December 4, 2025, for further proceedings.
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