DPO, Other officers relieved of their duties in Rivers following reports of suspected cultists renovating police outpost

Rivers police command has condemned the purported renovation of police post by suspected cultists, relieves officers of their duties

The Rivers State Police Command has reacted to a media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

On Thursday, videos of the suspected cultists celebrating the renovation of the police post circulated online. The videos sparked online debate, with many condemning the police command.

In a statement released by the spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing, the Command strongly condemned ‘’any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”

Agabe said police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, and they must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.

She mentioned that the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.

She added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation, the police officers who authorised or approved the project, whether due procedures were followed, whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the Force and the extent of any involvement by Police personnel.