The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has declared that appropriate disciplinary and legal action will be taken against anyone found culpable on the renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists in Rivers State, at the end of the probe.
Penpushing reports that the declaration was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer Agabe Kaborlo, stating that the command under the leadership of Adepoju, maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
The development led to the removal of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the Abuloma Police Outpost, while trouble started for the two senior officers after a video went viral on social media showing suspected cult members visiting the station on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to jubilate and mark the completion of the renovation work they allegedly financed.
Penpushing further reports that Kaborlo, pointed out that police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law, and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.
The command condemned any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline, and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force, or giving legitimacy and recognition to suspected cult groups and other unlawful organisations.
Penpushing also reports that Kaborlo explained that the investigation will uncover the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation, as well as the police officers who authorised the project.
The statement stated that the probe will equally establish whether due procedures and security checks were followed, whether any officer breached professional standards, and the extent of involvement by police personnel attached to the division.
Penpushing reports that in reacting to the shocking development, a retired commissioner of police(nameswitheld) said removal of the Divisional Police Officer for allegedly failing to investigate the personality, character and background of the donor was very much in order.
‘Admittedly, owing to inadequate funding, the Nigeria Police Force has, over the years, had to depend considerably on public assistance and support. Indeed, the spirit of the CFRN and the provisions of the Police Act recognise and encourage public cooperation and collaboration in support of policing and security operations nationwide’, he stated
‘Nonetheless, the Police must not compromise its institutional integrity, public respect and reputation to the extent of allowing a suspected cult member to undertake the renovation of a divisional police headquarters. Public support must never come at the expense of institutional credibility and professional standards’.
Penpushing further reports that he noted that investigations are still ongoing, adding that in his own assessment, depending on the findings and the applicable disciplinary provisions, the officer may ultimately receive no more than a warning letter.
The former police boss stated that the matter would have assumed a far more serious dimension if the Divisional Police Officer had diverted or converted the donated funds to his personal use.
‘More importantly, it must first be established through credible evidence that the individual who renovated the police station is indeed a cultist. Such a conclusion cannot reasonably be drawn merely from the colours of his attire, even if the outfit features a conspicuous red colour’.
‘Suspicion, however strong, is not proof of culpability. For now, therefore, let us allow the investigation to run its course before drawing definitive conclusions’, the retired commissioner said
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