The Rivers State Police Command has removed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division alongside the inspector overseeing the local outpost, following widespread public condemnation over a viral video showing suspected cult members celebrating a renovation project at the police facility.
The administrative sanction was ordered by Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju following the rapid spread of footage across digital platforms depicting individuals in black, white, and red attire posing and chanting slogans alongside uniformed police personnel in front of the freshly painted station in Port Harcourt.
The footage, which was also uploaded to the South-South Echoes official Facebook page to substantiate ongoing public reports, showed suspected cultists presenting the building upgrade as part of their annual “Humanitarian Day” activities on October 15.
Reacting to the public outrage generated by the clip, the Rivers State Police Command confirmed in an official statement signed by police spokesperson Blessing Agabe that both senior officers supervising the station have been issued queries and relieved of their posts pending the outcome of a comprehensive internal inquiry.
The command emphasized that police leadership strictly condemns any conduct capable of compromising institutional integrity or giving criminal elements public recognition.
“The Command views this incident with utmost gravity as it undermines the discipline, neutrality, and professional standards expected of the Nigeria Police Force. The DPO and the officer in charge of the outpost have been relieved of their duties immediately, and a full investigation has been launched,” the statement read.
The police authority assured residents across Rivers State that the investigation will determine whether officers compromised their duties and establish the full background of the individuals involved, adding that appropriate legal and disciplinary actions will follow.
Community advocates across the Niger Delta have welcomed the swift police response following the social media exposure, urging federal authorities to properly fund police infrastructure to prevent stations from relying on unverified donors.
You Might Also Like
