Imo Police cult scandal deepens as three officers are arrested over a viral video linking them to the Vikings confraternity

Imo Police cult scandal has erupted after three officers were arrested for allegedly belonging to the Vikings confraternity, following the circulation of a viral video showing them wearing cult insignia.

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The officers Inspector Obinna Peter, Corporal Amaechi Augustine, and Corporal Ejikeme Victor — are currently in detention and will face an orderly room trial at the command headquarters on Monday.

Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the arrests in a statement on Saturday, describing the incident as “an unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.”

He said: “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.”

The viral video, shared by anti-cultism advocacy platform NaijaConfra, drew widespread outrage after it showed uniformed officers wearing Vikings (DNKI) berets and caps — symbols of a notorious cult group linked to violent clashes and deaths across Nigeria.

The advocacy platform condemned the officers’ actions, 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 insignia — how can such officers arrest a Vikings cultist when they are members themselves?”

Following the uproar, Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma ordered a full investigation, promising a transparent and decisive disciplinary process.

Meanwhile, the Imo State Government has expressed confidence in the police’s handling of the matter but said it would await the investigation’s outcome before taking 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 Imo Police cult scandal has since reignited public debate on discipline and accountability within Nigeria’s law enforcement agencies.

Many citizens have called for stronger background checks and psychological evaluations for officers to curb internal infiltration by cult groups.

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As the trial begins, pressure is mounting on the command to send a strong message that such conduct will not be tolerated in the Nigeria Police Force.