The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has reportedly transferred Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Usaini Gumel, who was in charge of Zone 7 Abuja, to the Force Headquarters’ Department of Community Policing, Research and Planning. This transfer allegedly comes after Mr. Gumel reportedly described the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the purported suspension of Governor Sim Fubara as unconstitutional.
Sources within the police force indicate that on March 18th, President Bola Tinubu announced a state of emergency in Rivers State, along with the reported suspension of the governor, his deputy, and all state assembly members for a period of six months.
Insiders claim that AIG Gumel allegedly expressed his personal opinion on the matter during an informal conversation with colleagues in his office on March 29th, 2025. This opinion, suggesting the actions were unconstitutional, was reportedly relayed to the IGP.
According to these sources, IGP Egbetokun acted swiftly, ordering Mr. Gumel’s transfer to the Department of Community Policing on the same day the alleged remarks were made. Official communication of the transfer was reportedly issued on March 30th, 2025.
AIG Gumel, who assumed his role at Zone 7 Abuja on February 19th, 2025, was reportedly not formally queried or given an opportunity to respond to the allegations prior to the transfer.
DAILY NIGERIAN has gathered that AIG Mobolaji Victor Olaiya has immediately replaced Mr. Gumel at Zone 7, as indicated in a police signal dated March 30th, 2025.
The transfer is being viewed by some within the force as a punitive measure against senior officers perceived to be out of favor with the IGP. Zone 7, overseeing the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State, is considered a significant and desirable posting, while the Department of Community Policing, Research and Planning is often seen as a less strategic assignment.
Efforts to obtain official comment from the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, were unsuccessful.
IGP Transfers AIG Gumel to Community Policing For “for describing Fubara’s suspension as unconstitutional”
