Iran left a message saying “may peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations” following their World Cup group match against Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

The handwritten note was left in their dressing room following a goalless draw in their second Group G game.

Iran are competing at the World Cup while their country and the United States – who are co-hosts along with Canada and Mexico – are in negotiations to end their war.

“From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilised Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast,” read the message, which was released by the Football Federation of Iran (FFIRI).

“We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honour, and leave with dignity,” the note continued.

“Thank you Los Angeles for your hospitality.

“And thank you to every Iranian who gave their heart, voice and soul for Iran throughout these 180 minutes.

“May peace, respect and friendship prevail among all nations.”

The message also made reference to an attack on a girls’ school in Minab, where at least 168 people were killed on the first day of the war.

Iran played their opening match – a 2-2 draw with New Zealand – at Los Angeles Stadium, and will play their third and final group game against Egypt in Seattle on 27 June (04:00 BST).

Their involvement in the World Cup has been plagued with uncertainty, linked to the war in the Middle East and related security concerns.

Multiple “integral” members of their backroom staff were denied entry visas for the US while the FFIRI called on Fifa to “uphold the principles of neutrality, fairness, and established regulations” after its allocation of tickets was revoked on the eve of the tournament.

Iran subsequently switched their base for the World Cup from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico, and face strict travel restrictions during their campaign.

They are allowed to fly into the US a day before they have a game and have to leave the country on the same day as the match, under the conditions of their visas.

This led to Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei saying they are the “most oppressed” team at the tournament following the draw with New Zealand.

However, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup taskforce, says there are “discussions going on” about the timings for Iran’s travel to and from their game against Egypt.

– BBC

The Rivers State Police Command has ordered the arrest and detention of a police officer, ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey, and other officers accused of extorting members of the public, following the circulation of a viral video and reports of their extortion acts on social media. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Command said it had taken the allegations seriously, stressing that such conduct runs contrary to the ethics and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

Kaborlo stated that the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed the immediate arrest, detention, and investigation of the officers involved.

“The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognizance of a video and reports circulating on social media alleging that ASP Omomefe Akin Geoffrey and other police officers were involved in extorting money from members of the public while carrying out their duties,” Kaborlo stated.

Police

“The Command views the allegations with utmost seriousness, as such conduct is inconsistent with the core values, ethics, and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered their arrest, detention, and immediate investigation of the allegation.”

The Command reiterated that extortion, illegal collection of money, and other forms of misconduct by police personnel would not be tolerated.

“The Commissioner of Police reiterates that extortion, illegal collection of money, and any form of unprofessional conduct by police personnel will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Kaborlo added.

“He emphasised that the Command remains committed to ensuring that officers conduct themselves in a manner that promotes public trust, accountability, and respect for human rights.”

According to the police, the investigation would be conducted thoroughly and impartially, with any officer found guilty facing disciplinary measures in line with the law and the Nigeria Police Act.

“CP Adepoju assures the public that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and impartial. Any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with the provisions of the law and the Nigeria Police Act,” Kaborlo said.

The Command also commended members of the public for exposing alleged misconduct and urged citizens to continue reporting cases of corruption, abuse of office, and other unprofessional acts through official complaint channels.

Kaborlo added that the Rivers State Police Command remained committed to professional policing, discipline, integrity, and quality service delivery to residents of the state.

President Bola Tinubu has sent a Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly, seeking the establishment of state police.

The bill seeks to amend relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution to create a legal framework for state police across the federation.

This is coming after repeated calls by the President for constitutional reforms to enable states to play a greater role in securing their territories.

Recall that in February, the president asked the National Assembly to amend the Constitution to accommodate state police,

Tinubu described the reform as necessary to address terrorism, banditry and other security threats.

Similarly, on Democracy Day during his nationwide speech, Tinubu vowed that terrorists, bandits and their sponsors would face the full weight of the law, insisting that no mercy would be shown to enemies of the state.

The state police proposal has gained momentum in recent months, with both chambers of the National Assembly advancing constitutional amendment processes aimed at decentralising policing powers to the states.