The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abuloma Division and another officer overseeing a police outpost from their positions following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the facility.
The two officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renovation and the identities of those who funded or facilitated the project, Punch reported.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full-scale investigation after a video circulated online showing individuals suspected of belonging to a cult group celebrating the completion of the renovation on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.
The investigation will establish whether the renovation received the necessary authorisation, whether due procedures were followed and whether any police personnel breached professional standards. Investigators will also identify those who financed or facilitated the project.
The police command acknowledged that community contributions towards improving police facilities are permitted under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 but warned that such support must not compromise police independence, security or professional integrity. It added that no donation or assistance would confer immunity from investigation or prosecution.
The command said appropriate disciplinary or legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable and urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to support security efforts across Rivers State.
Footage circulating online showed individuals dressed in white shirts and black trousers, with some wearing red fez caps and others black berets, chanting slogans while celebrating outside the renovated facility alongside police officers. Anti-cultism platform Naija Confra also shared images and videos of the gathering, which reportedly featured the chant “Aromate”. The circumstances surrounding the renovation remain under investigation.
