Rivers Police Suspend DPO, DO After Suspected Cultists Renovate Police Station

The Rivers State Police Command has suspended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abuloma Division and a Divisional Officer (DO) over the renovation of a police outpost allegedly funded by suspected cultists.

The officers have been removed from their positions pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident, which has attracted attention on social media.

The police command announced the development in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, in Port Harcourt on Friday.

The incident reportedly occurred in the Abuloma community in Rivers State, where suspected cultists allegedly provided funds to renovate a police outpost.

The matter came to public attention after the individuals believed to have sponsored the renovation reportedly visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the project.

A video of the visit later circulated on social media, raising concerns about the relationship between the suspected cultists and the police officers responsible for the facility.

Reacting to the development, the Rivers State Police Command condemned any action that could affect the reputation and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

The command explained that police stations and outposts are public facilities established to protect citizens, maintain law and order, and tackle criminal activities.

It maintained that such facilities must not be used by suspected criminals to gain public acceptance or create the impression that they enjoy the support of law enforcement officers.

The command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olugbenga A. Adepoju, also reaffirmed its position against criminal activities and any conduct capable of reducing public trust in the police.

As part of its response, the command confirmed that the DPO in charge of Abuloma Division and the DO overseeing the affected police outpost had been issued queries and relieved of their duties.

The Commissioner of Police has also ordered a full investigation to determine how the renovation was carried out and establish whether the allegations surrounding the project are true.

According to the command, investigators will identify the individuals or groups that provided money for the renovation and examine their backgrounds.

The investigation will also determine whether any police officers approved or authorised the project and establish the level of involvement of personnel attached to the division and the outpost.

The police command said it recognised that communities could support efforts to improve police facilities. However, it stressed that such assistance must follow the law and should not affect the independence, security or professional conduct of the police.

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

It explained that while community support for police infrastructure was permitted under the law, the source of such assistance and the process through which it was received remained important.

The ongoing investigation is expected to establish whether the renovation received the required approvals and whether the police conducted proper checks on the individuals or groups that financed the work.

The command also intends to determine whether any rules were breached in the process and whether the actions of the officers involved were consistent with police regulations.

The suspension of the two officers comes amid concerns over the need to maintain public confidence in the police and prevent suspected criminal groups from using financial contributions to influence law enforcement activities.

The Rivers State Police Command said the outcome of the investigation would help clarify the circumstances surrounding the renovation and determine whether further action would be necessary against anyone found to have acted improperly.