Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju orders a full-scale investigation into the renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost, as viral footage shows suspected cult members celebrating alongside police personnel.

The Rivers State Police Command has relieved two senior officers of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police outpost in Abuloma, Port Harcourt, and celebrated the completion of the project alongside police personnel.

The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing the police outpost. Both officers have also been queried pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident.

The development followed the circulation of a viral video showing a group of individuals suspected to be cult members at the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, apparently celebrating after the renovation.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered a full-scale investigation to establish how the renovation was carried out, who financed it and whether any police personnel breached professional standards.

The command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday.

In the statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, the police condemned any association that could undermine the integrity and independence of the force.

The command stressed that police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, warning that they must not become platforms for criminal groups to gain public recognition or influence.

Investigation to establish who funded renovation

The police said investigators would examine the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who allegedly financed or facilitated the renovation.

They will also determine whether the project received the necessary authorisation, whether established procedures were followed and whether any officer compromised the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

According to the command, the removal of the two officers is a precautionary measure pending the outcome of the investigation.

“The Command strongly condemns 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,” the statement said.

The police, however, clarified that legitimate community contributions towards improving police facilities are permitted under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

It maintained that such assistance must comply with established procedures and must not compromise police independence, security or professional standards.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the statement added.

The command warned that any officer found to have engaged in misconduct or maintained an improper association with criminal elements would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.

Viral footage sparks controversy

The controversy erupted after videos circulated on social media showing individuals suspected to be cult members celebrating in front of the renovated Abuloma Police Outpost alongside some police officers.

In the footage, some of the individuals appeared to present themselves as students, chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before reportedly using slogans associated with cult groups.

They were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some sporting red fez caps and others wearing black berets.

Naija Confra, an online platform known for reporting on cult-related activities, also shared videos and photographs purportedly showing the group chanting slogans, including “Aromate”, at the facility after taking photographs with police officers.

The incident reportedly coincided with October 15, said to be the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.

However, the identities of the individuals involved, the source of funding for the renovation and the circumstances surrounding their presence at the police facility have yet to be officially established.

The police said the investigation would determine the veracity of the allegations and establish whether any laws or professional regulations were violated.

Police promise accountability

Adepoju reiterated the command’s position that it would not tolerate criminality, professional misconduct or actions capable of eroding public confidence in the police.

The command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in maintaining law and order across Rivers State.

The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether further disciplinary measures or criminal proceedings will be instituted against any individual found culpable.

For now, the central questions remain who financed the renovation, whether the project was officially approved and why individuals suspected of cult-related activities were allegedly celebrating at a police facility alongside officers.

The police have pledged to establish the facts and take appropriate action based on the findings.