Rivers Police Remove DPO After Suspected Cultists Renovate Abuloma Outpost.

The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and another senior officer following controversy surrounding the renovation of a police outpost allegedly carried out by suspected cultists.

The two officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of an investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju.

The development followed the circulation of a video on social media showing suspected members of a cult group at the renovated Abuloma Police Outpost on Thursday, October 15, 2026. The group was reportedly at the facility to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

According to the police, the circumstances surrounding the project raised concerns about whether the renovation was properly authorised and whether serving officers followed the required procedures before allowing the work to take place.

How the Police Station Was Renovated

Reports indicate that the renovation involved work on the Abuloma Police Outpost located around Okuru Junction in the Abuloma area of Port Harcourt.

Videos circulating online showed a group of individuals believed to be associated with a cult organisation at the facility after the renovation had been completed. The footage appeared to show the renovated sections of the police post, with members of the group celebrating and taking photographs alongside police officers.

Other reports said the group was identified as the Trans Marine Platoon, associated with the Vikings or De Norsemen Kclub International (DNKI) confraternity. However, the police have described those involved as suspected cultists and have not concluded the investigation into their identities or the exact circumstances surrounding their involvement.

The renovation reportedly included repainting and improving sections of the facility. A sign was also reportedly placed outside the station with a message warning members of the community against crime and social vices.

The project was subsequently presented as a completed renovation, with the suspected group returning to the premises on October 15 to mark the occasion. Images and videos from the gathering quickly spread across social media, generating public concern over the relationship between the group and the police facility.

The controversy was not simply about a private group helping to improve a public building. The major concern was the alleged involvement of a group suspected by authorities and the public of having links to cult activities in the renovation of a police facility.

Police Launch Full Investigation

Reacting to the development, the Rivers State Police Command said it had taken note of the social media reports and videos.

The command condemned any action or relationship capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju subsequently ordered a full investigation to establish what happened, who financed or facilitated the renovation and whether the project received the necessary approval.

Investigators are also expected to determine the role played by police personnel attached to the affected division and outpost.

The police want to establish whether officers knew the identities of those behind the project, whether proper background checks were conducted and whether any member of the force breached professional regulations by permitting the renovation to proceed.

The DPO of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing the affected outpost have therefore been relieved of their duties while the investigation continues.

Police Clarify Position on Community Support

The Rivers Police Command also acknowledged that members of the public can legitimately support the improvement of police facilities.

The command referred to Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which allows gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

However, it stressed that community assistance must be properly handled and must not compromise police independence, security or professional standards.

According to the command, accepting assistance does not mean that individuals or organisations are exempt from scrutiny. It said the investigation would determine whether the necessary approvals were obtained and whether appropriate checks were conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

The police further warned that no donation or assistance should be used to provide legitimacy or protection to criminal groups.

Questions Surrounding the Renovation

The incident has also raised questions about how private individuals or groups are able to undertake work on police facilities and what level of supervision is required before such projects can begin. Police stations are sensitive government facilities, and any construction or renovation work carried out there requires proper coordination to ensure that security arrangements are not compromised.

In the Abuloma case, attention has particularly focused on the process that led to the renovation and the events that followed its completion. The presence of suspected cult members at the facility during the celebration created additional concerns because of the symbolic importance of a police station within a community.

Residents depend on police facilities for protection, reporting crimes and seeking assistance during emergencies. Any situation that creates the impression that a private group has gained special access or influence over a police facility can therefore generate public concern.

The investigation will be important in determining whether the renovation was simply an unauthorised attempt to support the local police or whether there were deeper connections between those responsible for the project and officers attached to the division.

The Rivers State Police Command is expected to establish the full sequence of events, including when the renovation began, who approached the police about the work, who provided the funds and materials, and whether senior authorities within the command were informed before the project was completed.

The outcome could also determine whether further administrative measures will be taken against any officer found to have violated police regulations.

For now, the affected officers remain removed from their positions while investigators examine the circumstances surrounding the project. The command’s response signals that the matter is being treated as a serious issue involving the reputation and professional integrity of the police force.

Officers Could Face Further Sanctions

The removal of the two officers is not being presented as a final finding of guilt. Rather, it is an administrative measure pending the conclusion of the investigation.

If investigators establish that any police personnel knowingly allowed improper individuals or groups to take control of the renovation or breached professional standards, the command said appropriate disciplinary and legal action would follow.

The investigation could also determine whether the people behind the renovation committed any offence or whether their involvement was improperly presented as legitimate community support.

The incident has placed renewed attention on the relationship between police formations and community groups, particularly in areas where cultism and organised criminal activities remain security concerns.

For the Rivers State Police Command, the central issue is ensuring that police facilities remain under legitimate institutional control and are not used by suspected criminal organisations to gain public recognition or influence.

The command has urged residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies.

It maintained that police personnel are expected to uphold discipline, integrity and accountability while carrying out their duties.

The investigation into the Abuloma Police Outpost is expected to provide answers on how the renovation was initiated, who paid for it, whether it was officially approved and what role, if any, police officers played in allowing the project to take place.