“Criminals Renovate Police Station And Celebrate?” — Rivers Police Query Dpo, Launch Probe Into Abuloma Scandal

By Passman Akpos

PORT HARCOURT, Rivers State — The Rivers State Police Command has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the divisional officer overseeing an affected police outpost after suspected cultists allegedly renovated the facility and visited it to celebrate the completion of the project.

The development has sparked concerns over police accountability, the security of public institutions and the potential influence of suspected criminal groups on law enforcement operations.

The suspected cultists reportedly visited the Abuloma Police Outpost on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation, according to a video circulating on social media.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 16, 2026, and signed by ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Rivers State Police Command acknowledged the circulating video and reports alleging that suspected cultists financed or facilitated the renovation before visiting the facility to celebrate the project.

However, the Command stressed that a comprehensive investigation had been ordered to establish the facts surrounding the incident and verify the allegations.

The affected officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

Police Investigate Funding, Approvals And Possible Compromise

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has directed investigators to establish the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost.

Investigators are also expected to determine which police officers authorised or approved the project, whether the necessary procedures were followed, and whether any personnel violated professional standards or compromised the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.

The investigation will further examine the extent of any police personnel’s involvement in the project and whether appropriate background checks were conducted on those who provided the funding or assistance.

The Command said the investigation was necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether any officer acted improperly.

Although the renovation of public facilities through community support is not inherently unlawful, the police emphasised that such assistance must comply with established legal and administrative procedures.

‘Police Facilities Must Not Become Platforms For Criminal Groups’

The Rivers State Police Command condemned any action or association capable of undermining the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

It warned that police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens, maintain law and order, and enforce the law.

According to the Command, such facilities must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public recognition, validation or influence.

The police reiterated their zero-tolerance position on criminality and conduct capable of eroding public confidence in law enforcement.

The incident raises important questions about the procedures governing donations to police facilities, the verification of donors and the safeguards required to prevent individuals or groups with questionable backgrounds from exerting undue influence over security institutions.

However, the allegations against those involved remain subject to investigation, and the identities, intentions and possible criminal affiliations of the individuals behind the renovation have yet to be conclusively established.

Police Cite Nigeria Police Act 2020

Addressing the issue of community support for police infrastructure, the Command cited Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

It stressed that legitimate donations and assistance must be provided within the applicable legal and administrative framework.

The Command also made it clear that no donation, financial contribution or assistance to the police would grant any individual or group immunity from investigation or prosecution.

It warned that officers found culpable of unprofessional conduct, compromise or improper association with criminal elements would face appropriate disciplinary action.

Where the findings establish grounds for prosecution, the relevant legal measures would be pursued in accordance with applicable laws.

Public Confidence At Stake

The development comes amid broader concerns about cultism, organised crime and public safety in Rivers State.

The circumstances surrounding the Abuloma Police Outpost renovation have placed renewed attention on the relationship between law enforcement agencies and individuals or groups seeking to support public security infrastructure.

While community contributions can help improve police facilities and operational capacity, the controversy underscores the importance of transparency, proper documentation, donor verification and independent oversight.

The central issue is not simply whether a police facility was renovated, but whether the project was properly authorised, who financed it, what due diligence was conducted, and whether any individual sought to use the renovation to gain inappropriate access or influence.

The outcome of the investigation will be critical in determining whether the incident involved procedural lapses, professional misconduct or other violations of the law.

Police Call For Calm, Seek Public Assistance

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, transparency, the protection of lives and property, and the fight against cultism and organised crime in Rivers State.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and provide credible, timely information that could assist security agencies in maintaining peace and tackling criminal activities across the state.

The police also provided contacts for their Complaint Response Unit for members of the public wishing to report complaints or submit relevant information.

As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely for answers about who financed the renovation, who approved it, what safeguards were applied, and whether any officers breached their professional responsibilities.

For now, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed disciplinary action against the affected officers, but the full circumstances surrounding the renovation and the visit by suspected cultists remain subject to investigation.