Rivers Police Remove Officers Over Cultist-Funded Station Renovation

Two officers have been removed by the Rivers State Police Command: the Divisional Police Officer heading Abuloma Division and another supervising the Abuloma Police Outpost. The removals stem from accusations that members of a suspected cult financed work to renovate the police facility and attended celebrations following project completion.

On October 15, a video posted to social media depicted individuals at the refurbished site, leading the police command to take action. On Friday, police spokesperson ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo disclosed the suspensions, noting that both officers underwent questioning and were suspended from duty while awaiting a comprehensive inquiry.

To establish the facts, the command has initiated an investigation aimed at identifying all parties involved in the renovation undertaking, establishing funding sources for the work, and verifying compliance with appropriate procedures and professional conduct standards by the relieved officers. At the Abuloma Police Outpost situated in Rivers State, renovations allegedly undertaken by suspected cultists drew considerable public notice following the release of online footage.

The police command issued a statement denouncing the circumstances of the initiative, although particulars concerning the scope of renovation activities and the specific dimensions of cult involvement have not been fully clarified in accessible communications. The Rivers State Police Command's inquiry will attempt to determine how the renovation project was financed and whether officers gave approval or support to the participation of cultists.

The rapid suspension of the two officers reflects the command's response to significant public outcry following the spread of the video and media coverage across numerous platforms.