Outrage has greeted the alleged renovation of a police post located at the Abuloma Okuro Junction by members of a secret cult group identified as the DNKI (Vikings).
It was gathered that the cultists reportedly unveiled the renovated police post on Thursday during a ceremony attended by some police officers.
During the inauguration, leaders of the cult groups in the area were seen in a viral video inspecting the completed job, which was mainly repainting the walls and fixing dilapidated furniture.
Dressed in their colours, the cult members erected their big banner at the entrance of the police post with a boldly written message “Say No to Crime and Social Vices” during the inauguration.
They were also seen outside the police station practising their cult activities as part of the celebration.
Naija Confra, a popular social media network, which has been campaigning against cultism, confirmed the development and condemned the act.
It said: “We strongly oppose cultism within our security institutions. These institutions are the common man’s last hope in the fight against crime and must never be infiltrated or compromised by cult groups. If cultists renovate or build police stations, will the police still arrest them in the same police stations they built? Reject Cultism.”
The Rivers State Police Command condemned the development, queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing its police outpost over the alleged renovation of the facility by suspected cultists.
The command also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renovation following a trending social media report and video allegedly showing suspected cultists visiting the outpost to celebrate the completion of the project.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, ordered the investigation to establish the veracity of the allegations, identify those who financed or facilitated the renovation and determine whether any police personnel breached professional standards.
In a statement issued yesterday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said the command strongly condemned any action capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force. NigerianCulture Magazine
The statement stressed that police facilities must not be used by criminal groups to gain public recognition or legitimacy.
“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,” the statement said.
The statement added: “The investigation will examine the identities and backgrounds of those who financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or approved the project, whether due procedures were followed and the extent of any police personnel’s involvement”
The command said the investigation would also determine whether any officer compromised the integrity of the Force or engaged in conduct inconsistent with professional standards.
The police further clarified that while legitimate community support for improving police facilities was permissible under the law, such assistance must not undermine police independence or security.
The statement cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, but stressed that any such support must comply with the appropriate procedures and checks.
It added: “No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.”
The command reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on cultism, organised crime and unprofessional conduct by police personnel, warning that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in accordance with the outcome of the investigation and extant laws.
It urged residents to remain calm and provide credible and timely information to security agencies to strengthen security across the state. (The Nation)
