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Israel accuses Hamas of breaching truce

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Hamas has been accused of breaching the Gaza ceasefire agreement after returning partial remains of a previously recovered hostage instead of the body of another deceased captive, as required under the terms of the deal with Israel.

According to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, Hamas handed over what it claimed was the 16th of 28 hostage bodies agreed to be returned under the US-brokered ceasefire that began on October 10. However, Israeli forensic analysis confirmed that the remains belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, whose body had already been recovered from Gaza about two years ago.

Netanyahu’s office condemned the move as a “clear violation of the agreement” and said the prime minister would meet with security chiefs to determine Israel’s response. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum also urged the government to act decisively, saying Hamas “continues to deceive the United States and mediators while dishonouring our loved ones.”

Israel’s far-right ministers called for harsh retaliation. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Hamas’s actions proved the group was “still standing,” adding, “It is time to break its legs once and for all.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich similarly accused Hamas of “repeated and ongoing violations” and demanded that Israel re-arrest all militants released under the hostage deal.

In response, Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem denied the accusations, saying the group did not know the exact locations of all missing bodies because Israel’s bombardment had rendered many areas unrecognisable. “We are determined to hand over the bodies of the Israeli captives as soon as possible,” he said.

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Hamas has already returned all 20 living hostages as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement.

The October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks on Israel left 1,221 people dead, mostly civilians, and 251 taken hostage. Since then, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have killed more than 68,000 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry, which the United Nations regards as generally reliable. Despite the truce, 94 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the ceasefire began.

The family of Ofir Tzarfati confirmed that new remains belonging to him were returned to Israel on Monday night, the third time his body has been disturbed since his initial burial. “This is the third time we have been forced to open Ofir’s grave and rebury our son,” the family said. “The circle supposedly closed back in December 2023, but it never truly closes.”

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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