Four Arraigned for Murder of Irewole Council Chairman Amid Osun Political Tensions
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News.

Police Charge Four Over Killing of Osun Council Boss

Four men allegedly linked to the murder of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Hon. Remi Abass, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and murder charges.

The defendants — Abubakar Kabiru (38, also known as Jeje), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — all residents of Ikire and Apomu in Osun State, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Wednesday.

According to the amended charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/170/2025, the accused persons are alleged to have conspired, aided, and instigated acts of terrorism across various communities in Osun State, in violation of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The prosecution, represented by A.S. Oyeyemi for the Inspector General of Police, also accused the men of illegal possession of firearms and the murder of Hon. Abass, who was killed on February 17, 2024, during violent clashes in Ikire.

Defendants Plead Not Guilty, Remanded in Kuje Prison

All four defendants pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge, which includes conspiracy, terrorism, and unlawful possession of weapons.

In Count Two, they were accused of possessing three pump-action rifles without lawful authority — an offence contrary to the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004.

Count Three directly charged them with the murder of Abass, in violation of Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap 38.

After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre pending trial and adjourned the case to December 4, 2025, for hearing.

Counsel Sunday Adebayo represented the defendants, while Muhydeen Adeoye held a watching brief for the nominal complainants.

Murder Linked to Lingering APC–PDP Political Crisis in Osun

Akahi News gathered that the killing of Hon. Abass was deeply tied to the long-standing political rivalry between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.

The tension dates back to 2022, when the APC-led administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola conducted local government elections shortly before leaving office — elections which the PDP, then in opposition, boycotted and challenged in court as unconstitutional.

After Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP assumed office, his administration dissolved the APC councils and appointed caretaker committees. However, in February 2025, the Court of Appeal ruled in favour of the APC, declaring the earlier elections valid and ordering the reinstatement of the elected officials.

That ruling reignited political hostilities. When reinstated APC chairmen attempted to reclaim their offices, violent clashes erupted across multiple councils, particularly in Irewole LGA, where Abass was fatally attacked.

Earlier Charges Withdrawn After Death of One Accused

Before the current arraignment, the police had filed an earlier case involving seven suspects led by one Jide Jooda, but the prosecution withdrew it following the death of one of the accused in custody.

The new amended charge now focuses on four principal suspects, whom investigators believe played key roles in the coordinated violence that led to the death of the council boss.

Broader Implications for Osun’s Fragile Political Peace

Observers told Akahi News that the case underscores the volatile intersection between politics and violence in Osun State’s local governance.

Analysts noted that the Abass murder trial could become a litmus test for how Nigerian courts handle politically motivated killings and the broader challenge of enforcing accountability in local political disputes.

The outcome of the case, they added, could either restore confidence in Nigeria’s justice system or deepen mistrust in the government’s ability to protect elected officials amid partisan conflicts.

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