In response to the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel, the United Kingdom is deploying fighter jets and other military assets to the Middle East. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the deployment, stating it is for “contingency support.”

The Prime Minister has engaged in discussions with both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing the need for de-escalation. Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also communicated with Iranian officials, urging restraint and emphasizing the importance of protecting civilians.

The UK’s actions reflect a commitment to regional stability and a concerted effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict. Ongoing discussions with allies aim to de-escalate the situation and promote a peaceful resolution.

Marcus Monzo, a 37-year-old of Spanish-Brazilian descent, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 40 years for the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin in Hainault, northeast London. The sentencing follows Monzo’s conviction for the unprovoked and brutal attack on Daniel, as well as attacks on other members of the public and police officers, in April of last year.

The court heard how Monzo, under the influence of cannabis-induced psychosis, initiated a violent rampage, culminating in the near-decapitation of Daniel Anjorin as the young boy walked to school. Judge Joel Bennathan strongly condemned Monzo’s actions, acknowledging the profound grief inflicted upon Daniel’s family.

Judge Bennathan also commended the bravery of the police officers involved, highlighting their courage in confronting and disarming Monzo, thereby protecting the public. Monzo’s sentence reflects the severity of his crimes and the devastating impact on the victims and the community.

In a coordinated effort between the Nigeria Police Force and Chinese authorities, a Chinese national wanted on charges of tax fraud has been arrested in Lagos and repatriated to China. The suspect, Chen Gaochong, was apprehended on June 24 following an operation led by the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, prompted by a formal request from the Chinese government.

Mr. Chen is accused by the Peixian Public Security Bureau in Jiangsu Province of issuing falsified Value Added Tax (VAT) invoices totaling 4.97 million renminbi (approximately N1,057,561,330). He allegedly used the names of Linhai Guangyong and Linhai Beilaisi to generate 45 fake VAT invoices issued to Xuzhou Wanfeng Plastic Industry Company between May and August 2017.

Authorities stated that Mr. Chen fled China in November 2019, moving through Hong Kong and Burkina Faso before unlawfully entering Nigeria in 2021. He reportedly avoided renewing his passport to conceal his identity. An arrest warrant was issued in July 2020.

Mr. Chen was handed over to Chinese law enforcement on July 3. Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun affirmed that Nigeria will not serve as a refuge for fugitives, emphasizing the significance of international cooperation in combating cross-border crime. The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to collaborating with international law enforcement agencies and upholding mutual legal assistance obligations.