The Rivers State Police Command has suspended two senior officers from their duties pending an investigation into allegations that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma police outpost and visited the facility to celebrate the completion of the project.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing the police 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.
According to the statement, the officers have been queried and relieved of their duties while the police investigate the circumstances surrounding the project.
“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 reads.
It added that police facilities must remain dedicated to public safety and law enforcement rather than serve as avenues for criminal groups to gain public recognition or influence.
“Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.
“Consequently, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.”
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and verify the allegations, the command said.
The investigation will examine who financed or facilitated the renovation, which officers approved the project, whether the required procedures were followed and whether any police personnel violated professional standards.
The command, however, acknowledged that members of the public are permitted to support 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.
It stressed that such contributions must comply with established procedures and must not undermine the independence, security or professional conduct of the police.
“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security,” the statement reads.
The command further said investigators would determine whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate background checks conducted on those who funded or facilitated the renovation.
It emphasised that financial or material contributions to police facilities would not shield anyone from criminal investigation or prosecution.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.
“The Command reiterates that it will not condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.”