Police launch probe into alleged cult links among officers after viral video

The Imo State Police Command has launched an investigation following allegations that some of its officers are affiliated with a notorious cult group.

The probe was triggered by a viral video shared by the anti-cultism advocacy group Naija Confra, which accused certain police personnel in Owerri of being members of the Vikings confraternity, one of Nigeria’s most dreaded cult groups.

In the video posted on Friday, the group claimed several uniformed officers were seen “openly disgracing the Nigerian Police Force by engaging in cult activities” while wearing Vikings (DNKI) berets and caps.

The footage, shared on the platform’s handle #naijaconfra, quickly went viral, drawing widespread condemnation and calls for disciplinary action.

Describing its mission as “dedicated to discussing everything cultism, advocating non-violence for cultists, and encouraging non-cultists to reject cultism,” the page alleged that the officers “are boldly wearing Vikings (DNKI) berets and caps — an £vil cult group responsible for countless de@ths across Nigeria and beyond.”

It further stated: “These same officers are the ones often used to k!ll rivals during cult clashes. How can such officers arrest a Vikings cultist when they are members themselves?”

Naija Confra added: “This is why Naija Confra has always opposed cultism within security agencies. It is also why we reject cult-sponsored charity donations to the security agencies — because those institutions are our last hope for safety.

“Sadly, there is no need to tag the Imo State Police Command — they remain one of the most unresponsive in Nigeria when it comes to cult-related warnings. Now we understand why. Everyone is on their own. Reject Cultism.”

The video has since stirred intense discussions across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, with many Nigerians demanding swift action from the authorities.

In response, the Imo State Police Command issued a statement on 17 October 2025, announcing a probe into what it described as an “unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.”

The release, signed by DSP Okoye Henry, ANIPR, and shared online by former Force PRO Olumuyiwa Adejobi, now Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) at the Delta State Police Command, confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched.

It stated: “The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, has ordered a thorough investigation into the viral video showing a group of police officers in an unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.

“The CP strongly condemns the conduct as unethical and unbecoming of police officers. He assures the public that the matter is being handled with utmost seriousness and that upon conclusion of investigations, the officers involved will face serious disciplinary measures in accordance with police regulations.”

The command reaffirmed its dedication to “upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ensuring good policing in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.”