Rivers Police Command: DPO Removed Over Cultists' Station Renovation

• Two senior police officers, including the DPO of Abuloma Police Division in Rivers State, were removed from their posts.
• The removal followed allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police facility and celebrated its completion in a viral video.
• The Rivers State Police Command, led by CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a full investigation into the incident.
• The command condemns any association that compromises police integrity or confers legitimacy on unlawful groups.
• Legitimate community support for police facilities is permitted under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, but must not compromise integrity.

The Rivers State Police Command has unequivocally condemned any conduct or affiliations that could undermine the integrity, discipline, or professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Abuloma Police Division in Rivers State, along with another senior officer overseeing a local police outpost, has been relieved of their duties. This disciplinary action by the Rivers State Police Command stems from allegations that individuals suspected of being cult members undertook renovation work at a police facility within their jurisdiction. The incident gained public attention after a video circulated widely on social media, depicting alleged cultists celebrating the completion of the renovation at the Abuloma Police Outpost on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Following the emergence of this video, the Rivers State Police Command acted swiftly. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, through a statement released in Port Harcourt on Friday by command spokesperson Blessing Agabe, announced the immediate removal of the two officers. The statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, underscored the gravity with which the command views such associations. The officers were formally queried and relieved of their responsibilities pending a comprehensive inquiry into the matter.

The Rivers State Police Command has unequivocally condemned any conduct or affiliations that could undermine the integrity, discipline, or professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force. The command explicitly stated that it would not tolerate actions that might grant legitimacy, recognition, or acceptance to suspected cult groups or other unlawful organizations. Police facilities, as public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law, must not be exploited as platforms for criminal groups to seek public validation or influence.

Under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, the command maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against criminality and any behavior that erodes public trust in the police. A full-scale investigation has been initiated to ascertain the precise circumstances surrounding the renovation and to verify the allegations made. This inquiry will delve into the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups responsible for financing or facilitating the renovation project. Furthermore, it will scrutinize the roles played by any police personnel, determine if the project received proper authorization, confirm adherence to due procedures, and assess whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the force's integrity.

While the Nigeria Police Force encourages community engagement and support, such initiatives must strictly adhere to established legal frameworks to maintain institutional integrity. The Rivers State Police Command acknowledges and welcomes legitimate community support aimed at improving police facilities, in line with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. This particular section of the Act outlines provisions for accepting gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, thereby providing a legal avenue for public assistance.

However, the command explicitly clarified that any form of support, regardless of its intent, must not compromise the integrity of the police force. The incident involving the Abuloma Police Division DPO removal highlights the critical distinction between permissible community aid and actions that inadvertently or deliberately associate law enforcement with unlawful entities. The ongoing Nigeria Police Force integrity investigation will therefore not only address the specific allegations of cultist renovation but also reinforce the stringent conditions under which external support can be accepted without jeopardizing the force's impartiality and public trust.

This incident underscores the Nigeria Police Force's stringent stance against any actions or associations that could compromise its integrity or confer legitimacy on unlawful groups. Lawyers should advise clients on the critical need for due diligence and strict adherence to legal frameworks, such as Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, when engaging in community support for law enforcement, to avoid inadvertently creating perceived compromises or triggering disciplinary actions and investigations.

Source: Original reporting via a news outlet.