Suspected Cultists Renovate Police Outpost, Rivers CP Suspends DPO And Outpost Officer

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has relieved the Divisional Police Officer of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the Abuloma Police Outpost of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the facility.

The officers have been queried and suspended pending the outcome of a full investigation into the incident, which came to light after a viral video showed suspected cultists celebrating the completion of the renovation at the outpost on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, announced the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.

The statement said the command had taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility to celebrate.

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 on suspected cult groups.

“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation.

Investigators will also determine which police officers authorised or approved the project, whether appropriate procedures were followed, and whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the Force.

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

However, it stressed that such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the police warned.

The viral video, which circulated widely on social media, showed the suspected cultists presenting themselves as students and intermittently chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before using what appeared to be cult-related slogans.

The individuals wore black trousers and white shirts, with some sporting red fez caps and others wearing black berets. They were seen celebrating in front of the renovated facility alongside some police officers.

An online anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, also shared videos and pictures showing the suspected cultists chanting slogans, including “Aromate,” at the station shortly after taking pictures with officers at the facility.

It was gathered that October 15 marks the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity, and a Facebook user identified the group as “Aro Bagger,” claiming the police station was unveiled as part of the group’s 2026 “Humanitarian Day celebration.”

The command said it would not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.

It assured residents that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable based on the investigation’s findings and extant laws.

The police urged members of the public to remain calm and continue providing credible and timely information to enhance security across Rivers State.