Rivers: DPO removed over alleged renovation of police station by cultists

The Rivers State Police Command has suspended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the DPO overseeing a police outpost in the area of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the police facility.

In a statement on Friday, Police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, announced the removal of the DPO, saying the action is based on the trending social media report and a video in circulation alleging that suspected vikings cult group members were allowed to renovate the police facility.

Though the identities of the affected officers were not disclosed, the police spokesperson said they were queried and relieved of their duties, pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She also stated that the police investigation would determine the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, and whether due procedures were followed.

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Daily Trust gathered that the development followed a video shared by a popular anti-cultism social media platform, Naija Confra, purportedly showing suspected Vikings cult members chanting their slogans in front of the Abuloma Police Outpost and taking photographs with police officers inside the facility on Thursday.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 15, a date associated with the annual anniversary celebration of the Vikings confraternity.

Reacting to the development, the command condemned any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy on suspected cult groups and other unlawful organisations.

It maintained that police facilities were public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, stressing that they must not become platforms for criminal groups to seek public recognition or influence.

The statement said, “The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and verify the allegations.

“According to the command, the investigation will determine the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, and whether due procedures were followed.

“It will also establish whether any police personnel breached professional standards, compromised the integrity of the Force or were involved in the incident.

“The command, however, acknowledged that legitimate community support for the improvement of police facilities was permissible under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

“But such assistance must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security, the investigation would determine whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

“The Command will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer. All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

“The Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, the protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime. Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable, in line with the outcome of the investigation and extant laws.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information to enhance security across Rivers State.”