Two senior police officers, including the Divisional Police Officer of the Abuloma Police Division in Rivers State, have been removed from their positions following allegations that suspected cultists renovated a police facility under their jurisdiction.

The other officer is the divisional officer overseeing the affected police outpost.

The Rivers State Police Command disclosed this in a statement issued by its spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, in Port Harcourt, last Friday.

The Police said the action followed a viral video showing suspected cultists visiting the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

The statement, titled ‘Rivers State Police Command Condemns Purported Renovation of Abuloma Police Outpost by Suspected Cultists, Relieves Officers, Orders Full Investigation’, said the command had ordered a full investigation into the incident.

The command condemned any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.

The police image maker said the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, had ordered a full-scale investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the renovation and the veracity of the allegations.

The identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups that financed or facilitated the renovation would also be investigated, alongside the roles played by police personnel.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command has taken cognisance of a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the Abuloma Police Outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the renovation.

“The Command strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.

“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.

“Under the leadership of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, the Command maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the Police.

“Consequently, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected Police Outpost have been queried and relieved of their duties pending investigation.

“Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation.”

The statement added that the investigation would examine whether the project was authorised, whether due procedures were followed, and whether any police officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force.

It said, “The Command welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund.

“However, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.

“The investigation will establish whether the necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed or facilitated the renovation.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution.

“The Command reiterates that it will not condone unprofessional conduct or compromise any form of improper association with criminal elements by any police officer.

“All personnel are expected to uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their duties.”

The command said appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable, in line with the outcome of the investigation and extant laws.

It urged members of the public to remain calm and continue to provide credible and timely information to the police to enhance security across the State.

The Tide reports that a viral video circulated online had shown suspected cultists posing as students, occasionally chanting “greatest Nigerian students” before using what appeared to be cult-related slogans.

The individuals were seen wearing black trousers and white shirts, with some wearing red fez caps and others black berets, celebrating in front of the renovated facility alongside some police officers.

A popular online anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, also posted videos and pictures showing the suspected cultists chanting slogans, including “Aromate”, at the station last Thursday, shortly after taking pictures with officers at the facility.

The incident, which occurred on October 15, 2026, was said to have coincided with activities marking the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity.

The National Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone F, Comrade Opaka Dokubo, has urged the newly elected State Working Committee (SWC) members of the Delta State Council of the NUJ to embrace inclusive governance, strengthen internal communication and address differences promptly through constructive engagement.

Dokubo gave the charge during a meeting with the new leadership of the NUJ in Delta State following their successful election in Asaba, last week.

The NUJ Vice President in charge of the South South region stressed that diversity of opinion should strengthen, rather than divide the union, calling on the executive to promote teamwork, carry members along and place collective interests above personal differences.

Also addressing the new union leaders, the Chief Press Secretary to the Delta State  Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, called on the newly inaugurated SWC to prioritise peace, unity and professional responsibility while strengthening its working relationship with the state  government.

Ahon emphasized that internal cohesion was essential to effective union leadership, the protection of journalists’ interests and the council’s contribution to the development of the state.

He said Governor Oborevwori holds the NUJ and its members in high esteem, recognising the important role of journalism in promoting accountability, information dissemination and advancing democratic governance.

He called for closer synergy between the press and government, stressing the need for unity, love, respect amongst members and mutual cooperation in the collective interest of the State.

The Chief Press Secretary assured the NUJ of the government’s continued partnership and support for its activities and welfare, urging the new leadership to sustain the cordial relationship with the government while upholding the ethics of the profession.

He further urged the executive to resolve its disagreements, if any, through dialogue, mutual respect and understanding, warning against avoidable crises that could undermine the unity and progress of the council.

Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Comrade Nkem Nwaeke, appealed to members to close ranks and work together to strengthen the union, advance journalists’ welfare and enhance its capacity to represent the profession effectively.

In his response, the re-elected Chairman of the NUJ in Delta State, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described his re-election as an act of divine providence and pledged to run an inclusive administration anchored on unity, collaboration and the welfare of members.

Oyowe commended the Delta State Government for its support to the union and promised to work closely with other members of the executive while ensuring that all members of the union in the State were carried along in the affairs of the council.

He called for all hands to be on deck, noting that the success of his administration would depend on their collective commitment to peace, responsible leadership and the advancement of the journalism profession.

The Presidency has refuted a claim by the Oyo State Governor and presidential candidate of the Allied People’s Movement in the 2027 general election, Seyi Makinde, in which the latter alleged that the Federal Government was withholding ?250 billion per State dividend from the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG).

In a State House statement issued yesterday by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the governor’s claim as false and said “it should be disregarded.”

Makinde had, at the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, last Friday, alleged that the funds would not be released until after the 2027 elections.

Makinde alleged, “Each state was supposed to get ?250 billion. We had already identified projects that would expand Oyo State’s economy. But they have now said the money will not be paid until after the election. Is the election more important than the people of Nigeria?”

In response, Onanuga said that “Makinde’s latest claim that the Federal Government is withholding the NLNG dividend windfall is false and should be disregarded.”

The statement read in part, “The Presidency wishes to clarify Governor Seyi Makinde’s claim that the Federal Government is withholding ?250 billion in NLNG dividends for each state of the Federation.

“At the 2027 Budget Stakeholders’ Consultative Engagement held at the Olola Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, on Friday, Makinde claimed the funds would not be released until after the 2027 elections. He further claimed that the Federal Government had spent the money.

“Makinde’s latest claim that the Federal Government is withholding the NLNG dividend windfall is false and should be disregarded.”

The Presidency affirmed that the “NLNG has never paid $25 billion in dividends to the Federation Account in a single payout.”

“Here are the facts the public should know about how the Federation Account is managed and how money is shared among the three tiers of government.

“Even as a one-off distribution, ?250 billion to each of the 36 states amounts to ?9.0 trillion, excluding the Federal Government, the FCT, and the 774 local councils.

“Under the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) formula, states receive 26.72% of the distributable Federation Account revenue. For the states’ share alone to reach ?9 trillion, total NLNG dividends paid into the Federation Account would have to exceed ?33.68 trillion (about $25 billion) in a single declaration,” the statement added.

Based on history, the Presidency stated, “NLNG has paid approximately $21.5 billion in dividends to the Federation over the last 25 years, with less than $3 billion realised since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.

“Therefore, any claim that a single payout exceeds the company’s entire lifetime distribution to the Federation—and is being withheld—defies basic logic and economic reality.

“We expect Governor Makinde to be more measured in his public conduct and utterances. Since he embarked on his presidential bid, he has chosen to play politics by making misleading claims rather than presenting verifiable facts. Indeed, he has turned false, unguarded statements and claims into an art form.

“He once described the huge financial flow from the federation account to states, including Oyo, as ‘voodoo’.”

The statement stressed that according to the nation’s Constitution, Makinde has the freedom to “pursue” his presidential ambition, but it urged the APM presidential candidate to “desist from making falsehoods and disinformation the hallmarks of his campaign.

“We urge the public to disregard these unfounded claims, which serve only to mislead citizens and stoke needless disaffection against the Federal authorities.”