The Imo State Police Command has taken swift action by arresting three of its officers after a viral video emerged online showing them openly displaying insignia associated with the Vikings confraternity, a notorious cult group.
The officers arrested and taken into custody are: Inspector Obinna Peter, Corporal Amaechi Augustine, and Corporal Ejikeme Victor. The command’s spokesperson, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday, announcing that the trio is scheduled to face an orderly room trial at the command headquarters on Monday.
The Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, ordered the immediate investigation and strongly condemned the video as an “unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.” Spokesperson Okoye reiterated this stance, describing the officers’ behavior as “highly unprofessional and does not reflect the discipline, ethics, and values of the Nigeria Police Force.” He added that the outcome of the orderly room trial will be publicly disclosed.
The damning video was first circulated by the anti-cultism advocacy platform, NaijaConfra, which severely criticized the police officers for their alleged cult involvement. The group expressed outrage, stating:
“These are police officers in Owerri, Imo State, openly disgracing the Nigerian Police Force by engaging in cult activities. They are boldly wearing Vikings (DNKI) berets and caps — an evil cult group responsible for countless deaths across Nigeria and beyond. These same officers are often used to kill rivals during cult clashes. How can such officers arrest a Vikings cultist when they are members themselves?”
Reacting to the development, the Imo State Government indicated it would await the conclusion of the police investigation before determining any further action. The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, told Sunday Punch, “The police have said they are launching an investigation into the allegations, why don’t we wait until the outcome? Launching an investigation is something that ought to be commended. Let’s wait for the outcome, and the government can take it from there.”
