Rivers police have removed the Abuloma DPO and an outpost officer pending investigation after suspected cultists allegedly renovated a police post
Rivers Police Query DPO Over Alleged Cultists’ Renovation of Abuloma Police Post
By Newsheadline247
The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing its police outpost pending an investigation into the alleged renovation of the facility by suspected members of the DNKI, popularly identified as the Vikings cult group.
The development has sparked outrage after a video circulated on social media purportedly showed suspected cult members celebrating the renovation of the police post at Abuloma Okuro Junction, raising concerns about the relationship between criminal groups and security institutions.
The suspected cultists reportedly unveiled the renovated facility on Thursday at a ceremony attended by some police officers. In the viral footage, members of the group were seen inspecting the work, which reportedly involved repainting the walls and repairing damaged furniture.
The group members, dressed in their colours, also displayed a large banner at the entrance of the police post bearing the inscription, “Say No to Crime and Social Vices”.
The footage allegedly showed some of them engaging in activities associated with the group outside the facility during the celebration.
Naija Confra, a social media platform that campaigns against cultism, condemned the development, warning that any perceived relationship between cult groups and security institutions could undermine public confidence in law enforcement.
It said: “We strongly oppose cultism within our security institutions. These institutions are the common man’s last hope in the fight against crime and must never be infiltrated or compromised by cult groups. If cultists renovate or build police stations, will the police still arrest them in the same police stations they built? Reject Cultism.”
Responding to the controversy, the Rivers State Police Command ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renovation, including the identities of those who financed or facilitated the project and whether any police personnel breached professional standards.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered the probe following reports and a trending video allegedly showing suspected cultists at the outpost to celebrate the completion of the work.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said the command condemned any action capable of undermining the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
“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.
The command said investigators would examine the identities and backgrounds of those who financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, whether due procedures were followed and the extent of any police personnel’s involvement.
The statement added: “The investigation will examine the identities and backgrounds of those who financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, whether due procedures were followed and the extent of any police personnel’s involvement”
The investigation will also determine whether any officer compromised the integrity of the Force or engaged in conduct inconsistent with professional standards, the command said.
The police clarified that legitimate community contributions towards improving police facilities were permissible under the law, provided they did not compromise police independence, security or established procedures.
The command cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, while stressing that any assistance must comply with the appropriate checks and procedures.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the statement added.
The command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, organised crime and unprofessional conduct among police personnel, warning that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in line with the findings of the investigation and applicable laws.
It urged residents to remain calm and provide credible, timely information to security agencies to support efforts to improve security across Rivers State.
