By Paul Joseph
The Rivers State Police Command has suspended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and another officer overseeing a local police outpost following allegations that suspected cultists were allowed to renovate the facility.
The officers were relieved of their duties and queried pending the outcome of an investigation into a viral video showing suspected members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity celebrating at the police outpost.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, announced the disciplinary action on Friday, October 16, 2026, following public reactions to the incident.
The video, circulated by anti-cultism digital platform Naija Confra, reportedly showed suspected members of the Vikings confraternity chanting group slogans and taking photographs with police personnel inside the facility.
The gathering allegedly took place on Thursday, October 15, a date associated with the group’s annual anniversary celebrations.
The command condemned the incident, stressing that police stations are public security facilities meant to enforce the law and must not be used to promote or legitimise unlawful organisations.
It said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged renovation and gathering.
According to the command, investigators will identify the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, determine which officers authorised the project and establish whether the required procedures were followed.
The investigation will also examine whether any police personnel violated professional standards, compromised the integrity of the Force or maintained improper associations with suspected criminal elements.
On community support for police facilities, the command cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which permits voluntary assistance, while stressing that such contributions must be properly vetted to protect police operational independence and security standards.
The command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, warning that any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action, while other individuals involved could also face legal consequences in accordance with the law.
It reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, the protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime.
Residents were also urged to remain calm and provide security agencies with credible information to support efforts to tackle cult-related activities and other criminal offences across Rivers State.
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