Four suspects face trial in Abuja over the Osun murder case involving slain Irewole LG Chairman, Remi Abass, amid rising political tension in Osun State.
The Osun murder case surrounding the brutal killing of the late Irewole Local Government Chairman, Hon. Remi Abass, has entered a critical legal phase as four suspects were formally arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case, which has stirred deep political emotions in Osun State, continues to expose the tense rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over control of local government councils.
The four defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (alias Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all from Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, were brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday. They face charges bordering on terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and murder, in connection with the Osun murder case that claimed the life of the council chairman.
According to the amended charge sheet, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, the defendants are facing a three-count charge.
Count One accuses them of conspiring, aiding, and instigating acts of terrorism in several parts of Osun State — offences contrary to and punishable under Section 26(1)(2)(a)(b)(c) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In Count Two, the defendants allegedly conspired to illegally possess firearms and were caught with three pump-action rifles, in violation of Section 3 of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Count Three charges the defendants with the murder of Hon. Remi Abass, an act contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, prosecution counsel A. S. Oyeyemi led the case, while Sunday Adebayo appeared for the defendants. Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants.
All four suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to them in court.
Following their pleas, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants be remanded in Kuje Custodial Centre, Abuja, pending trial. The court adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing — a date agreed upon by both the prosecution and defence.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense, as relatives of the slain Irewole Chairman, party supporters, and members of the public filled the gallery. Security was tight to prevent possible disruption.
The Osun murder case stems from a long-standing political conflict between the APC and PDP in Osun State, largely revolving around the legitimacy of local government leadership.
In 2022, the APC-led administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola conducted local government elections, which the PDP, then in opposition, boycotted, branding them illegal and unconstitutional.
When Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP became governor, his administration dissolved the elected councils and installed caretaker committees. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal validated the APC’s local government elections and ordered the reinstatement of the previously elected chairmen and councillors.
This ruling immediately reignited political tension across the state. Several local councils witnessed confrontations between reinstated APC officials and PDP caretakers.
The most tragic of these clashes occurred in Irewole Local Government, where supporters of both political parties engaged in a violent confrontation on February 17, 2024, in Ikire.
During the chaos, Hon. Remi Abass, the serving Irewole LG Chairman, was killed. Several others sustained injuries as rival factions fought for control of the council office.
Police authorities immediately launched a comprehensive investigation into the murder. Through intelligence operations and witness accounts, the four defendants were eventually arrested and linked to the killing. Their arraignment in Abuja marks the latest development in the ongoing Osun murder case, which continues to attract nationwide attention.
Before this latest prosecution, an earlier charge had been filed against seven other suspects, led by one Jide Jooda. That case was later withdrawn after one of the accused died in custody, prompting the police to restructure the investigation and file fresh charges against the current four suspects.
Legal observers believe this development underscores the complexity of the Osun murder case, where political, legal, and security interests have collided. Analysts also view it as a test of the justice system’s capacity to handle politically sensitive homicide cases.
Reactions have continued to trail the arraignment.
Members of the Osun political community, civil society groups, and human rights advocates have all called for transparent proceedings and swift justice. The family of the late Hon. Abass has expressed cautious optimism, urging the court not to allow political interference to derail the process.
Community leaders in Ikire and Apomu have also appealed for calm, describing the killing as a dark moment in the state’s democratic journey. Many hope that a fair trial will restore public confidence in the rule of law and bring closure to the grieving family.
The Osun murder case has also reignited conversations about political violence and the need for electoral reform at the grassroots level. Commentators argue that until political offices at the local level are freed from excessive partisan rivalry, similar incidents may recur.
The matter has been adjourned to December 4, 2025, for hearing. Both sides are expected to present witnesses, tender evidence, and make legal arguments. Until then, the accused will remain in custody at Kuje Prison.
Observers say the next phase of the trial will determine whether justice is truly attainable for Hon. Remi Abass and whether the Osun murder case will finally bring peace or deepen division in the state’s fragile political landscape.
More news at ireport247news
About The Author
