By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Rivers State Police Command has removed two senior officers from their positions following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost in Port Harcourt.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the outpost. Both officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending an investigation.
The development followed a viral video showing suspected cult members visiting the renovated facility on Thursday, October 15, and celebrating the completion of the project alongside some police officers.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renovation.
The investigation will determine the identities of those who financed the project, the officers who approved it, whether proper procedures were followed and whether any police personnel breached professional standards.
The command condemned any association that could give suspected cult groups public recognition or undermine confidence in the police.
It, however, acknowledged that members of the public are allowed to contribute towards improving police facilities under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.
The police stressed that such contributions must not compromise the force’s independence, professional standards or security.
It added that no donation or assistance would grant immunity from investigation or prosecution, warning that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The command urged residents to remain calm and provide credible information to support efforts to tackle cultism and organised crime.
