The Rivers State Police Command has queried and removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost after suspected cultists renovated the facility and visited it to celebrate the completion of the work.
The incident was captured in a viral video that showed the suspects, some wearing red fez caps and black berets, celebrating in front of the renovated facility alongside police officers.
THE VIDEO
In the viral video, the suspected cultists appeared to pose as students, occasionally chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before using what appeared to be cult-related slogans.
They were seen celebrating in front of the renovated facility alongside some police officers.
A popular online anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, also posted videos and pictures showing the suspected cultists chanting slogans, including “Aromate”, at the station on Thursday, shortly after taking pictures with officers at the facility. It was gathered that October 15 is the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.
THE POLICE RESPONSE
The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed the disciplinary action in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.
The statement, titled “Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation,” said the command had ordered a full investigation into the incident.
“The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation,” the statement read.
THE CONDEMNATION
The command condemned any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.
“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence,” the statement said.
“Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, the Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police”.
THE INVESTIGATION
The Commissioner of Police ordered a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the renovation and the veracity of the allegations.
The investigation will examine:
· The identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation;
· The police officers who authorised or approved the project;
· Whether due procedures were followed;
· Whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the Force;
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· The extent of any involvement by Police personnel.
THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The command acknowledged that communities can legitimately support efforts to improve police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.
“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security,” the statement said .”No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution”.
WHY IT MATTERS
The incident raises serious questions about the relationship between police officers and suspected cult groups in Rivers State.
If suspected cultists can renovate a police outpost and celebrate at the facility with officers present, the integrity of law enforcement in that community is severely compromised.
The police command’s decision to remove the DPO and order an investigation is a necessary first step. But the deeper question remains: how did this happen, and who authorised it?ValidViewNetwork reports that the investigation is ongoing. The identities of those who financed the renovation are yet to be established.