The Rivers State Police Command has suspended two senior officers from their duties pending an investigation into allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police outpost in Abuloma and visited the facility to celebrate its completion.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing the outpost.
The command’s spokesperson, Agabe Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement on Friday following reports and a video circulating on social media about the alleged renovation.
The statement said the command had queried the officers and relieved them of their duties while investigations continued.
“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.
It stressed that police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, warning against their use by criminal groups seeking public recognition or influence.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and verify the allegations.
According to the command, investigators will determine who financed or facilitated the renovation, which officers authorised the project, whether the necessary procedures were followed and whether any police personnel breached professional standards.
The police acknowledged that community members could contribute to the improvement of police facilities under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the police general fund.
However, it emphasised that such contributions must not undermine police independence, professional standards or security.
The statement added that investigators would establish whether the appropriate approvals were obtained and adequate checks conducted on those involved in funding or facilitating the renovation.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated.
It reiterated its commitment to holding officers accountable for unprofessional conduct, compromise or improper associations with criminal elements.