A disturbing scene in Effurun as a suspect sits restrained moments before the fatal shooting that has sparked public outrage and prompted disciplinary action within the Nigeria Police Force. The incident has renewed calls for accountability and an end to extra-judicial practices.

According to preliminary reports, operatives attached to the Effurun Area Command responded to credible intelligence from Benin Motor Park along the Warri–Sapele Expressway. The information concerned a suspect who had been apprehended by members of a transport union while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol and four rounds of ammunition.

Police authorities stated that while efforts were underway to take the suspect into lawful custody, the team leader, ASP Nuhu Usman, discharged his firearm in what has been described as a clear violation of established regulations. The gunfire resulted in the death of the suspect.

In response, the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force has ordered the immediate transfer of the officer and his team to Force Headquarters in Abuja. They are expected to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee for summary disciplinary proceedings and possible prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be served in accordance with the law. He also urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as both disciplinary and legal processes unfold.

Reaffirming its commitment to accountability, the Nigeria Police Force emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward extra-judicial actions, abuse of authority, and any conduct that undermines public trust.

The statement was issued by Anthony Okon Placid, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Force Public Relations Officer, from Force Headquarters in Abuja.

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This would be one of the biggest changes to U.S. drug policy in decades.

The move does not legalise marijuana across the United ‌States, but it is likely to reshape the 47 billion dollars industry, which has faced continued barriers at the federal level.

Two U.S. states have legalised it in some form for medical use and nearly half have legalised it for recreational use as well.

State-regulated medical marijuana products would now be moved from a group of drugs classified as highly addictive, such as heroin, to a less restrictive category for products that have a low to moderate potential for abuse.

The drugs include common painkillers, ketamine and testosterone. Marijuana products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also would be moved to that category.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the U.S. government would also fast-track a broader effort that would reclassify all uses of the psychoactive plant as less dangerous.

The measures are likely to lower barriers ⁠for research, ease tax burdens and make it easier for firms to secure funding.

“This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,’’ Blanche said in a statement.

The move follows a December executive order from President Donald Trump directing the Justice Department to loosen marijuana restrictions.

The measure is expected to boost the growing cannabis industry in the United States, benefiting companies like Canopy Growth, Tilray Brands , Trulieve Cannabis.

In addition to selling medical marijuana and consumer-focused products with cannabis, some of these companies are also researching their pharmaceutical uses for pain management, cancer symptoms, anxiety and other disorders.

U.S.-listed shares of cannabis companies jumped between six per cent and 13 per cent following the decision, but later reversed their gains as investors reacted to the limited scope of the federal government’s immediate moves.

“Today marks a pivotal moment for the United States. With President Trump’s action to reschedule cannabis, federal policy is finally aligning with science, medicine, and most importantly, patient needs,” said Irwin Simon, CEO of marijuana company Tilray Brands.

Marijuana’s status as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, has been widely criticised as anachronistic, particularly as it makes inroads at the state level.

According to the Congressional Research Service 24 states and ⁠the District of Columbia have legalised it for recreational purposes, while 40 have fully legalised it for medical purposes, and another eight allow some medical uses.

Only two states, Idaho and Kansas do not allow any legal use.

Legal sales are expected to top 47 billion dollars in 2026, according to market researcher BDSA.

After Trump’s December order, the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services began allowing some eligible Medicare beneficiaries to use hemp-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD) products, under clinician guidance.

On Thursday Trump said more must be done. In a Truth Social post, he called on Congress to update the law to ensure access to the “full-spectrum” of CBD products “while preserving Congress’s intent to restrict the sale of products ⁠that pose Health risks.”

Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States and the world. Nearly one in five U.S. residents use it in a year, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Millions of Americans have been arrested for possession of the drug, even while growing businesses listed on stock exchanges sell cannabis-related products.

The Biden administration embarked on a similar move in 2024, but it was not finalised ⁠when Trump returned to office and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration scrapped the effort.

The Justice Department said it will begin proceedings on June 29 to gather evidence and expert opinion on reclassifying the drug.

Marijuana skeptics have argued that legalisation would lead to higher drug use by minors, lower workplace productivity and increased traffic safety hazards.

Dozens of Republicans in Congress objected in December when President Donald Trump ordered the Justice Department to loosen regulations. ⁠

Reaction was more muted on Thursday, but Senator Tom Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, said the moves would make it easier for Americans to use what he described as a still-dangerous drug.

“Marijuana today is much more potent than just ten or twenty years ago, leading to increased psychosis, anti-social behaviour, and fatal car crashes.’’

Cotton said in a social media post. “A change to marijuana’s drug classification is a step in the wrong direction.”

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Ships must comply with Iranian security regulations and coordinate their passage with relevant authorities, the mission said late on Tuesday.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a flashpoint in the current U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Tehran has repeatedly attacked vessels in the waterway, effectively closing off a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies.

The narrow passage between Iran and Oman is the only link between the Gulf and the world’s oceans.

It is regarded as one of the most important shipping routes globally, with around 20 per cent of the world’s oil supply normally passing through it.

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According to Israeli broadcaster N12, the draft includes commitments from Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons and to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

U.S. news outlet Axios, citing a source with knowledge of the matter, reported that U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff told President Donald Trump that Iran had agreed on several key points, including giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

However, it remained unclear how Tehran would formally respond to the proposal, the New York Times reported.

Israel’s reaction, another party to the conflict, was also uncertain.

Trump has repeatedly said that Iran is eager to reach an agreement.

“We’re actually talking to the right people, and they want to make a deal so badly, you have no idea how badly they want to make a deal,” he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance are also involved in the negotiations, Trump said.

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He wrote on Truth Social on Monday, delaying a previous ultimatum.

Trump had threatened on Saturday to attack Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours.

In response, Tehran threatened to completely block the passage and vowed to retaliate against energy facilities and desalination plants in Gulf countries with ties to the U.S., if its energy infrastructure were to come under attack.

“The United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.’’

These conversations “will continue throughout the week,” he added.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a flashpoint in the current U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

Tehran has repeatedly attacked vessels in the waterway, effectively closing off a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies.

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Speaking to reporters, Trump responded to remarks made by adviser David Sacks, who had suggested in a podcast that Israel might escalate a war to the point of considering nuclear options.

”Israel wouldn’t do that. Israel will never do that,” Trump said.

Israel has long maintained a policy of deliberate ambiguity regarding its nuclear capabilities, neither confirming nor denying possession of such weapons.

The approach is widely seen as a strategy to avoid regional escalation and international scrutiny.

Israeli officials have consistently stated that the country would not be the first in the Middle East to introduce nuclear weapons.

However, estimates from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute suggest that Israel possessed approximately 90 nuclear warheads, making it one of the world’s undeclared nuclear powers.

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“We’ll do that, and then we’ll fill it up,” Trump told news station Local 12 on Wednesday, saying the move would push prices down.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) had earlier announced it would release a record amount of oil onto global markets.

The 32 member countries, including the United States, will release a total of 400 million barrels of crude, according to an IEA statement.

The U.S. Department of Energy said it plans to release 172 million barrels starting next week over a period of roughly four months.

According to the government, the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve is the world’s largest emergency stockpile of crude oil.

It was set up primarily to mitigate the effects of supply crises and meet international obligations.

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“If necessary, the United States Navy will begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, as soon as possible,” he posted on his platform Truth Social on Tuesday.

“No matter what, the United States will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD.”

Additionally, he has instructed the relevant United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to offer risk insurance and guarantees for all maritime trade in the region.

The measure is primarily aimed at energy transport but is available to all shipping companies.

The strait between Iran and Oman is considered one of the most important shipping routes worldwide.

It is the only connection from the Gulf to the world’s oceans.

Significant oil-producing countries are located along the Gulf, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

The war and threats from Iran to set passing ships on fire have caused unrest in the energy markets.

The prices for oil and gas increased significantly as a result.

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IAEA’s Director General, Rafael Grossi, in a statement on Monday, urged a return to diplomacy, given the “increasing risk to nuclear safety” in the region as the violent escalation in the Middle East entered a third day.

The violent was sparked by the bombing of Iran by Israel and the United States.

Grossi, noted that there was no indication that any of Iran’s nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor and other nuclear fuel cycle facilities had been damaged.

Meanwhile at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Gulf States impacted by Iranian retaliatory strikes involving ballistic missiles and drones condemned attacks against their sovereignty and urged Tehran to stop all “hostile escalation” that could jeopardize regional stability.

To date, missile strikes have been reported in Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in addition to Israel, whose military responded to Hezbollah strikes from Lebanon on Monday.

There are indications that 550 civilians have been killed in Iran since the country came under attack on Saturday. Targets have included Tehran’s Gandhi Hospital which sustained damage on Sunday, the UN World Health Organisation (WHO) said, citing reports.

“It serves as a reminder that all efforts must be taken to prevent health facilities from being caught up in the ongoing conflict.

Health facilities are protected under international humanitarian law,” WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus wrote in an online post.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council in the Swiss city, Shahad Matar for the UAE alleged that Iranian attacks since February had killed three civilians and injured 58 more.

“This blatant and cowardly attack is a violent…blatant violation of our sovereignty, international law and UN Charter,” Shahad insisted.

Echoing those comments, Naser Abdullah Alhayen for Kuwait condemned Iranian missile attacks and affirmed the country’s right to defend its territory and people, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter.

In response, Iran told the Human Rights Council that the country has continued to come under “indiscriminate and invasive” attack, a day after Tehran confirmed the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during a strike on the Supreme Leader’s compound in the capital.

“In recent days, schools have been bombed, hospitals subjected to indiscriminate attacks, civilian leaders including the spiritual and religious Supreme Leader, have been assassinated, and the headquarters of the Iranian Red Crescent, along with many other non-military buildings, have been destroyed,” Iran’s Ali Bahreini maintained.

Responding to reports that a primary school was hit on Saturday in Minab, southern Iran, Bahreini said that more than 160 schoolgirls had been killed.

“The ongoing unlawful military aggression against Iran exemplifies the dominance of raw power over the principles of human rights,” the Human Rights Council heard.

Earlier on Monday, Iran also issued a letter to countries attending the UN Conference on Disarmament meeting in Geneva on Monday, insisting on its right to self-defence “for as long as the aggression endures”.

All U.S. military “bases, facilities and assets” are now “legitimate targets” as a result of the “war of aggression”, the Iranian Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva insisted.

Back in Vienna, IAEA chief Grossi underscored the risk of a nuclear incident from the military escalation since Iran “and many other countries in the region that have been subjected to military attacks have operational nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors”.

Addressing a special meeting of the IAEA Board in the Austrian capital, Grossi said that radiation levels had remained normal in countries bordering Iran since the bombing began.

And as the Israeli military began launching strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, Grossi urged “utmost restraint in all military operations”.

He noted that the UAE has four operating nuclear reactors while Jordan and Syria have operational nuclear research reactors.

“Bahrain, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have also been attacked,” he said, stressing that they “all use nuclear applications of some sort or the other”.

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“From the outset, it was assumed that it would take about four weeks,” Trump said in a telephone interview with the British newspaper Daily Mail on Sunday.

“It’s a big country; it’ll take four weeks – or less,” the U.S. president explained.

Three U.S. soldiers have been killed and five others seriously injured in the U.S. military operation against Iran.

Iran’s counterattacks have hit U.S. military bases in the Gulf region and other targets.

Trump praised the soldiers who were killed as “great people.”

“And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuously – it could happen again,” he added.

Eyal Zamir, the chief of staff of the Israeli military, gave a similar assessment late on Sunday, saying that Israel recorded “significant achievements” in Iran over the first 48 hours, but “many more days of fighting lie ahead.”

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