The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of four men accused of orchestrating the brutal killing of the late Chairman of Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Hon. Remi Abass, at the Kuje Custodial Centre pending the commencement of their trial.
The four suspects — Abubakar Kabiru (also known as Jeje, 38), Tajudeen Opeyemi (30), Akeem Agbomojo (28), and Akintoye Olayemi (40) — were arraigned on Wednesday by the Nigeria Police Force before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the defendants face multiple counts bordering on terrorism, illegal possession of firearms, and the murder of Hon. Abass, who was assassinated on February 17, 2024, in Ikire, Osun State.
The prosecution counsel, led by a team from the Force Legal Department, alleged that the accused persons conspired to eliminate the late council boss in what investigators described as a “targeted political killing.” The charge further stated that the suspects unlawfully possessed dangerous weapons and engaged in acts intended to cause terror within the Irewole Local Government area.
During the brief proceedings, the police prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants pending trial, arguing that the offenses are capital in nature and not bailable under Nigerian law. Defense counsel, however, did not object to the remand application but requested adequate time to prepare their case.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that the four accused persons be remanded at the Kuje Custodial Centre. She further adjourned the matter until December 4, 2025, for hearing, in line with the consensus reached by both counsel.
Late Hon. Remi Abass, until his death, was a prominent grassroots politician and the serving chairman of Irewole Local Government Area. His assassination in early 2024 sparked widespread outrage and prompted an intensive investigation by security agencies, culminating in the recent arrest and arraignment of the suspects.
The case has drawn considerable public attention in Osun State and beyond, with political observers describing it as a litmus test for the government’s resolve to curb politically motivated violence and ensure justice for victims of assassination.
As the trial progresses, stakeholders and residents of Irewole LGA continue to call for transparency, fairness, and swift adjudication to restore public confidence in the justice system.
