The Imo State Police Command has arrested three officers allegedly linked to the Vikings confraternity following the circulation of a viral video showing them in cult insignia.

According to the police, the officers, Inspector Obinna Peter, Corporal Amaechi Augustine, and Corporal Ejikeme Victor, are currently detained and are set to face an orderly room trial at the headquarters on Monday (tomorrow).

Spokesperson for the command, Henry Okoye, in a statement on Saturday, said the arrest followed a thorough investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, into what he described as “an unacceptable display of unprofessionalism.”

He added, “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 video, shared by anti-cultism advocacy platform NaijaConfra, drew widespread criticism.

The platform said, “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?”

The Imo State Government had earlier said it is awaiting the conclusion of the police investigation before taking further action.

The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Hope Uzodinma, Oguwike Nwachukwu, while speaking with Sunday PUNCH, 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.” (Sunday PUNCH)