The Rivers State Police Command has removed two senior officers from their positions after suspected cultists allegedly renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost in Port Harcourt and celebrated the completion of the project alongside police personnel.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the police outpost. Both officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending an investigation.
The development followed the circulation of a viral video showing individuals suspected of belonging to a cult group at the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full investigation to establish how the renovation was carried out, who financed it and whether any police personnel breached professional standards.
The statement was issued by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.
Police Probe Funding, Officers’ Involvement
The command said investigators would establish the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation.
The probe will also determine which police officers authorised the project, whether the required approvals were obtained, whether established procedures were followed and whether any personnel compromised the integrity of the force.
The police condemned any association capable of undermining the discipline and professional standards of the Force or giving suspected cult groups legitimacy and public recognition.
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“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 added that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable after the investigation.
The force Explain Position On Community Donations
Despite condemning the circumstances surrounding the incident, the command acknowledged that members of the public could legitimately contribute to improving police facilities.
It cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.
However, the police stressed that such support must not compromise the force’s independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the statement added.
The command said investigators would examine whether appropriate background checks were conducted on those who funded or facilitated the renovation and whether the project complied with the necessary procedures.
Viral Video Shows Celebration At Outpost
The controversy emerged after videos circulated on social media showing individuals celebrating in front of the renovated facility alongside police officers.
In the footage, the individuals appeared to present themselves as students, chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before reportedly using slogans associated with cult groups.
They were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some wearing red fez caps and others black berets.
Online anti-cultism platform Naija Confra also shared videos and photographs purportedly showing the group chanting slogans, including “Aromate”, at the outpost.
Reports indicated that the gathering coincided with October 15, which was described as an anniversary date associated with the Vikings confraternity. However, the identities and affiliations of those involved remain subject to verification.
The Rivers State Command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to support its investigation.
It reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of lives and property, stressing that any officer found to have engaged in misconduct would face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law.
