IGP moves AIG Gumel to ‘punitive’ post over comment on Rivers State emergency

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has transferred the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 7, Abuja, Usaini Gumel, to Community Policing, Research and Planning over an alleged remark on the state of emergency declared in Rivers State.

The transfer, which was executed without a formal query, is widely perceived as a punitive action against the senior officer.

Sources within the police hierarchy confirmed that Gumel was moved after allegedly expressing his opinion on the legality of the emergency declaration in an informal conversation with colleagues.

“The IG was swift. Gumel allegedly made the remark on 29th March, 2025, and on the same day, the IG ordered the force secretary to transfer him to Community Policing. The official wireless signal was issued the following day,”; an insider source disclosed to Daily Nigerian.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had, in a nationwide broadcast on March 18, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and all state lawmakers for six months.

The move sparked nationwide debates over its constitutional validity.

According to a police source, Gumel casually commented that the decision was “unconstitutional”; while discussing with colleagues in his office.

However, an officer present allegedly reported him to the IGP, leading to his immediate removal.

“The posting was viewed as a severe punishment.

“Zone 7, which oversees the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State, is a strategic and lucrative command, while Community Policing, Research and Planning is considered a ‘punitive beat.’”;

Gumel, who assumed office at Zone 7 on February 19, was replaced by AIG Mobolaji Victor Olaiya through an official signal dated March 30, 2025, with 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.