Rivers Police Remove Abuloma DPO After Suspected Cultists Renovate Police Outpost
What should have been a community effort to improve a police facility in Rivers State has triggered an internal investigation, leading to the removal of two senior police officers from their positions.
The controversy centres on the Abuloma Police Division and an outpost under its jurisdiction, where a group of suspected cultists reportedly gathered on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of renovation work.
Videos of the gathering circulated widely on social media, drawing attention to the relationship between the individuals involved and the police officers present at the facility.
Following the public reaction, the Rivers State Police Command announced that the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer supervising the affected outpost had both been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident. The development was announced in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday by the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe.
The statement made it clear that the investigation would go beyond the renovation itself. Authorities intend to establish who financed or organised the project, whether the work received official approval and whether any police personnel acted in a manner that compromised the force’s professional standards.
The command also condemned any relationship or activity that could give criminal organisations public recognition or undermine confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police, stations and outposts are public institutions established to protect residents and enforce the law. They must not become places where unlawful groups can seek influence, acceptance or legitimacy.
The commissioner, the statement added, maintains a zero-tolerance position on criminality and conduct capable of damaging the reputation of the police.
But there is an important distinction the investigation must establish: whether the renovation was simply a community contribution that failed to follow the proper procedures, or whether it involved conduct that breached police regulations or compromised the independence of the force.
The command acknowledged that members of the public can 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 assistance must not interfere with operational independence, security arrangements or professional standards. Investigators will therefore determine whether the appropriate approvals were obtained and whether adequate background checks were conducted on those who funded or facilitated the work.
The command also warned that financial assistance or donations cannot shield anyone from investigation or prosecution.
Police authorities said disciplinary measures and legal action would follow if the investigation establishes that any officer or other individual committed an offence or breached the relevant rules.
Meanwhile, details emerging from the viral footage have added another dimension to the controversy.
In the video reviewed by our correspondent, the individuals gathered at the renovated facility appeared to present themselves as students. At intervals, they chanted the words, “greatest Nigerian students,” before switching to slogans that appeared to be associated with cult groups.
They were dressed mainly in white shirts and black trousers. Some wore red fez caps, while others had black berets. The footage also showed the group celebrating outside the outpost, with some police officers present.
Naija Confra, an online platform known for reporting on cult-related activities, subsequently shared photographs and videos from the gathering. The material showed individuals chanting slogans, including “Aromate,” after taking pictures with officers at the facility.
It was also gathered that October 15 marks the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity, a detail that has drawn further attention to the timing of the gathering.
Nevertheless, the circumstances surrounding the renovation, the identity of those responsible for funding it and the extent of any police involvement remain matters for investigators to establish.
For now, the Rivers State Police Command has urged residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies.
The outcome of the investigation will determine whether the renovation was an improperly managed community project or whether more serious breaches of police discipline and professional conduct occurred.
Until those findings are established, the allegations against the individuals involved remain subject to investigation.
