...sacks DPO, orders investigation
Ekanem Iniko
The Rivers State Police Command has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists who later visited the facility to celebrate the completion of the project.
The Command also announced the immediate relief of the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost pending investigation, following a trending social media report and a circulating video showing the suspected cultists at the police facility on October 15, 2026.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju.
According to the statement, the Command has taken cognisance of the video which allegedly shows members of a suspected cult group renovating the police outpost and returning to celebrate what they described as the completion of the renovation.
The Command said it strongly condemns 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.
It stressed that police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.
“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 said.
“The Command strongly condemns 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.”
Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, the Command maintained that it has zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police.
Consequently, the Command has queried and relieved the DPO in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending the outcome of investigation.
Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations.
The investigation, according to the statement, will cover 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, and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The Command however clarified that it welcomes legitimate community support for improving 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.
It noted, however, that such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the Command warned.
The Police reiterated that it will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any officer, stressing that all personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to professionalism, transparency, protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime in the state.
It assured that appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable, in line with the outcome of the investigation and extant laws.
The Command urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information to enhance security across Rivers State.