The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.

She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.

The command said it “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.”

It added, “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 command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.

Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.

The CP has also 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 police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.

The command said while it 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, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.

“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.

It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.

The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.

Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.

According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.

He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.

He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.

He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.

A 50-year-old motorcycle repairer accused of providing services to Boko Haram members, Mustapha Modu, has been sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment by the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Modu, of Belle village in Danbura Local Government Area of Borno State, was sentenced by Justice Binta Fatima Nyako on Thursday after pleading guilty to withholding information that could have led to the arrest and prosecution of terrorists operating in the state.

The Federal Government had arraigned him on three counts bordering on membership of the proscribed Boko Haram sect, providing support to the group by repairing motorcycles, and deliberately withholding information about the terrorists’ activities from security agencies.

Although Modu denied being a member of the terrorist group, he admitted withholding information that could have led to the arrest of its members.

Following his guilty plea, the Federal Government’s lawyer, Muinat Oladunjoye, urged Justice Nyako to deliver a summary judgment.

Dauda Hassan, counsel to the convict, did not oppose the request but pleaded for a lenient sentence, arguing that his client was a victim of circumstances.

Hassan also drew the court’s attention to the fact that Modu had been in detention since 2016.

Before the sentence was pronounced, Modu assured the court that he would ensure his children received both Islamic and Western education after his ordeal.

In her judgment, Justice Nyako sentenced Modu to 11 years’ imprisonment, with the term to run from 2016, when he was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS).

The judge directed the Federal Ministry of Interior to determine the correctional facility where Modu would serve his sentence.