Rivers police remove two officers as probe opens into Abuloma outpost renovation
The Rivers State Police Command has queried and relieved two officers of duty pending an investigation into allegations surrounding the renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost.
The affected officers are the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the officer overseeing the outpost.
Police said the action followed a circulating video and reports alleging that suspected cultists were involved in the renovation and later visited the outpost on October 15.
Those claims remain under investigation.
The command has not established in the public record reviewed by IDNN that a cult group financed or renovated the facility, that either officer knowingly facilitated any improper relationship, or that either officer committed misconduct.
Probe to examine funding and approval
Rivers Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the renovation.
The command said investigators would seek to establish:
- who financed or facilitated the renovation;
- who authorised or approved the work;
- whether required procedures were followed;
- whether any police officer breached professional standards; and
- whether any improper relationship existed between police personnel and those connected to the project.
The police said community support for police facilities may be legitimate but should not compromise police independence, professional standards or institutional integrity.
Video and reports triggered scrutiny
The police response followed the circulation of footage and reports about people visiting the renovated outpost.
Some reports described those involved as suspected cultists.
That description remains an allegation.
The police investigation is intended to establish the identities and backgrounds of those connected to the renovation and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
Officers removed pending investigation
The two officers have been queried and relieved of their duties pending the outcome of the investigation.
That administrative action is not a finding of guilt.
No disciplinary conviction, criminal charge or court finding against either officer has been established in the material reviewed by IDNN.
The command said further disciplinary or legal action would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
Why the case matters
Police facilities are public institutions, and the allegations raise wider questions about who may finance or renovate them, what approvals are required and how police commands guard against relationships that could undermine public confidence.
The key accountability questions are therefore:
Who funded the renovation?
Who approved it?
What vetting was carried out?
And did any officer breach police procedure or professional standards?
What remains unresolved
IDNN has not established:
- who financed the renovation;
- whether any identified group is in fact a cult organisation;
- whether the required approvals were obtained;
- whether either relieved officer knowingly breached procedure;
- or whether any criminal offence was committed.
Those questions remain for the police investigation.
What happens next
The next accountability test is the outcome of the probe.
IDNN will track whether Rivers State Police identify the financiers, publish findings on the approval process, name any officers found culpable or refer any aspect of the case for criminal investigation or prosecution.
If any officer, civilian or group is later identified adversely, IDNN will seek their response before treating culpability as established.