The Imo State Police Command has arrested three of its personnel allegedly linked to the Vikings Confraternity following the circulation of a viral video showing them wearing cult insignia.
The officers — Inspector Obinna Peter, Corporal Amaechi Augustine, and Corporal Ejikeme Victor — are currently in detention and are scheduled to face an orderly room trial at the Command Headquarters on Monday.
Spokesperson for the command, Henry Okoye, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday. He said the disciplinary action followed a thorough investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, describing the conduct as “an unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.”
“The conduct displayed in the viral video is highly unprofessional and does not reflect the discipline, ethics, and values of the Nigeria Police Force. The outcome of the Orderly Room Trial will be communicated to the public in due course,” Okoye stated.
The video, first shared by the anti-cultism advocacy platform NaijaConfra, sparked widespread outrage. It showed the officers openly wearing Vikings berets and caps — a group allegedly linked to violent cult clashes and killings across Nigeria.
NaijaConfra condemned the incident, saying, “These are police officers in Owerri, Imo State, openly disgracing the Nigerian Police Force by engaging in cult activities. How can such officers arrest a Vikings cultist when they are members themselves?”
Reacting to the controversy, the Imo State Government said it would await the outcome of the police investigation before taking any further steps.
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, said “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.”
The case has intensified public debate over the infiltration of cult groups into security agencies and the need for stronger vetting and disciplinary measures within the police force.
