DPO removed over alleged renovation of police station by cultists – Daily Trust

The Rivers State Police Command has suspended the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in cost of Abuloma Division and the DPO overseeing a police outpost within the space of their duties following allegations that suspected cultists renovated the police facility.

In a press release on Friday, Police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, introduced the elimination of the DPO, saying the motion relies on the trending social media report and a video in circulation alleging that suspected vikings cult group members have been allowed to renovate the police facility.

Though the identities of the affected officers weren’t disclosed, the police spokesperson mentioned they have been queried and relieved of their duties, pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

She additionally acknowledged that the police investigation would decide the identities and backgrounds of the people or teams that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or authorized the undertaking, and whether or not due procedures have been adopted.

Daily Trust gathered that the event adopted a video shared by a preferred anti-cultism social media platform, Naija Confra, purportedly exhibiting suspected Vikings cult members chanting their slogans in entrance of the Abuloma Police Outpost and taking pictures with police officers inside the ability on Thursday.

The incident reportedly occurred on October 15, a date related to the annual anniversary celebration of the Vikings confraternity.

Reacting to the event, the command condemned any motion or affiliation succesful of compromising the integrity, self-discipline {and professional} requirements of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy on suspected cult teams and different illegal organisations.

It maintained that police services have been public establishments established to guard residents and implement the regulation, stressing that they need to not grow to be platforms for felony teams to hunt public recognition or affect.

The assertion mentioned, “The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident and confirm the allegations.

“According to the command, the investigation will decide the identities and backgrounds of the people or teams that financed or facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorised or authorized the undertaking, and whether or not due procedures have been adopted.

“It may even set up whether or not any police personnel breached skilled requirements, compromised the integrity of the Force or have been concerned within the incident.

“The command, nevertheless, acknowledged that professional group help for the advance of police services was permissible below Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which gives for items and contributions to the Police General Fund.

“But such help should not compromise police independence, skilled requirements or safety, the investigation would decide whether or not the required approvals have been obtained and applicable checks carried out on those that financed or facilitated the renovation.

“The Command is not going to condone unprofessional conduct, compromise or any type of improper affiliation with felony parts by any police officer. All personnel are anticipated to uphold the best requirements of self-discipline, integrity and accountability within the discharge of their duties.

“The Command stays dedicated to professionalism, transparency, the safety of lives and property, and the combat towards cultism and organised crime. Appropriate disciplinary and authorized motion might be taken towards anybody discovered culpable, according to the result of the investigation and extant legal guidelines.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and continue to support the Police with credible and timely information to enhance security across Rivers State.”