PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State: The Rivers State Police Command has relieved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the Abuloma Police Outpost of their duties, after a viral video showed suspected cultists celebrating the renovation of the facility.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the matter, according to a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo.
The video, which surfaced on social media on Thursday, October 15, 2026, showed members of a group identified as DNKI, also known as Vikings, celebrating the completion of renovation work at the outpost, reportedly around Okuru Junction, Trans Amadi, Port Harcourt.
The footage drew public outrage and raised questions about who financed the project, how deeply police personnel were involved, and whether it could suggest official acceptance of a suspected cult group.
The Command said it had queried the affected officers and removed them from their posts pending the outcome of the investigation. It stressed that the removal is an administrative measure and “not, in itself, proof of wrongdoing.”
According to the statement, investigators will establish the identities of those who financed the renovation, the officers who authorised it, and whether due procedures were followed before work began. The probe will also determine whether any personnel breached the professional standards and regulations governing the Nigeria Police Force.
The Command strongly condemned any act capable of undermining the integrity, independence and professionalism of the Force. It maintained that police facilities are public institutions meant to protect lives, safeguard property and enforce the law, and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public recognition or legitimacy.
“The integrity of our institutions must be protected at all times, regardless of the intentions behind any renovation or donation,” the police said, in essence.
While acknowledging that legitimate community support for police facilities is permitted under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, the Command said such support must stay within the law and must not compromise the independence, neutrality or professional responsibilities of the police. The provision, it added, does not give any individual or group unrestricted authority to undertake projects at police facilities without proper procedures and oversight.
The incident has renewed attention on the relationship between security agencies and community groups, and on the need to ensure that external support for police infrastructure does not erode law enforcement independence.
Attention will now turn to the source of funding for the renovation, the extent of police involvement, and whether any rules were breached. The findings are expected to determine whether further disciplinary or other lawful action is warranted.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and public trust.
