DPO removed for allowing cultists to renovate Police station in Rivers

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has directed the removal of the Divisional Police Officer of Abuloma Division and the DPO in charge of overseeing a police outpost in the area of their duties for allowing the suspected cultists to renovate the Police station.

The removal of the DPO was announced in a statement on Friday by the Rivers State Police Command Spokesman Public Relations Officer, ASP, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, saying the social media was wash with cultists’ renovation of a police.

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The statement however concealed the identities of the affected two officers, but said they were queried and relieved of their responsibilities, pending the outcome of the investigation which has been initiated.

The Police PRO stated that investigation would unravel the identities of elements behind the renovation of the facilities, whether due process was allowed and the officers who approved the project.

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It was recalled that a video was trending following its sharing by a well known anti-cultism social media platform, Naija Confra.

The video revealed that suspected Vikings cult members, after renovated the facilities, chanted their slogans in front of the Abuloma Police Outpost and taking photographs with police officers inside the facility on Thursday.

The cultists renovated the Station to mark their yearly celebration of their anniversary every 15th October.

CAPITAL POST recalled Vikings Confra is one of the notorious and deadly cultistism with the trail of killing and violent activities.

The development has left uncomfortable development within the rank and file of the Police in Rivers Command, insisted that any action or link capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy on suspected cult groups and other unlawful organisations were unacceptable.

The police maintained that criminal elements would not be allowed to use facilities to disguise themselves as philanthropists and seeking public approval of their detestable activities.

The statement said, the CP has ordered full investigation to unveil the truth surrounding the incident.

The statement partly read: “According to the command, the investigation will determine the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, and whether due procedures were followed.

“It will also establish whether any police personnel breached professional standards, compromised the integrity of the Force or were involved in the incident.

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

“But such assistance must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security, the investigation would determine whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

“The Command will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer. All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.

“The Command remains committed to professionalism, transparency, the protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime. Appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable, in line with the outcome of the investigation and extant laws.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information to enhance security across Rivers State.”

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