Outrage as Suspected Cultists Renovate Rivers Police Post, Two Senior Officers Removed

…Police order full-scale probe into funding, approvals and alleged links between personnel and suspected cult members

The Rivers State Police Command has removed two senior officers from their positions and ordered a full-scale investigation following public outrage over allegations that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost in Port Harcourt.

The development came after a video circulated on social media showing a group of men celebrating the completion of renovation work at the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Some police officers were also seen alongside the group during the event, raising questions about how the project was funded and whether the appropriate authorities approved it.

The officers affected are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer directly overseeing the outpost. The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered their removal and the issuance of queries pending the outcome of the investigation, according to reports published on Friday, October 16.

The police action followed widespread criticism of the apparent association between suspected cult members and officers at a public security facility. The images and video prompted concerns among members of the public about the possibility that a group suspected of involvement in unlawful activities could gain public recognition through its involvement in renovating a police facility.

The controversy centres on the circumstances surrounding the renovation and the appearance of the group at the outpost, rather than the renovation work alone. In its official response, the police said public facilities must not be used by suspected criminal groups to seek legitimacy, influence or acceptance.

Reports on the footage described the participants wearing white shirts and black trousers, with some sporting red caps and others black berets. They were seen posing for photographs with police officers and chanting slogans, including expressions associated with student confraternities. The appearance of the group and the officers together became a major focus of public criticism.

The Commissioner of Police has directed investigators to identify the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, establish which officers authorised or approved the project, and determine whether established procedures were followed. The probe will also examine whether any personnel violated professional standards or compromised the integrity of the police. The allegations have not, however, been established as findings of guilt against any individual.

The Rivers command has also clarified that it does not prohibit all forms of public assistance to 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, while stressing that any legitimate support must not undermine police independence, professional standards or security.

The distinction is central to the investigation: improving a police facility through lawful community support is different from allowing an organisation suspected of criminal activity to use such a project to gain influence or public acceptance. The police said no donation or assistance would grant anyone immunity from investigation or prosecution.

The command has warned that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in accordance with the findings of the investigation and applicable laws. It has reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability, the protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime in the state.

The incident has placed the conduct of police personnel under renewed public scrutiny, particularly over the need to maintain clear boundaries between law enforcement and groups suspected of criminal activity. The investigation is expected to establish who funded the renovation, how it was authorised and whether any rules were breached. Until its findings are made public, the allegations against those involved remain subject to verification.