The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has reassigned the Assistant Inspector General of Police who was overseeing Zone 7 in Abuja, Usaini Gumel, to handle duties related to Community Policing, Research, and Planning due to comments he made regarding the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.
The transfer, carried out without an official inquiry, is broadly seen as a disciplinary measure aimed at the high-ranking officer.
Officials inside the police leadership have verified that Gumel was reassigned following allegations that he voiced his views on the legitimacy of the emergency proclamation during a casual discussion with fellow workers.
"The Inspector General acted quickly. According to allegations, Gumel made the comment on March 29, 2025, and later that very day, the Inspector General instructed the force secretary to move him to community policing duties. An official communication regarding this was sent out the next day," revealed an inside source to Daily Nigerian.
On March 18, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced a national address declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State. He suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, along with all members of the state legislature for a period of six months.
The action ignited national discussions regarding its adherence to the constitution.
As stated by a law enforcement insider, Gumel loosely mentioned during a conversation with coworkers in his workspace that the choice was "unconstitutional."
Nevertheless, an eyewitness claims that an attending officer informed the IGP about him, resulting in his swift dismissal.
The post was seen as a harsh penalty.
Zone 7 manages both the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State, making it a crucial and profitable unit. In contrast, Community Policing, Research, and Planning is often seen as an unfavorable assignment.
Gumel, who took charge of Zone 7 on February 19, was succeeded by AIG Mobolaji Victor Olaiya as indicated in an official notice dated March 30, 2025. The document bears the reference number TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.5/314.
When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, did not respond to inquiries on the matter.
IGP transfers AIG Gumel to 'disciplinary' position following comments about Rivers State state of emergency