The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has allegedly redeployed the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 7 Abuja, Usaini Gumel, to Community Policing, Research and Planning, allegedly as disciplinary action against Gumel for referring to President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation of a state of emergency in Rivers State as unconstitutional.

As cited, the statements were made lightly to other officers in his office, but one of them apparently complained about Gumel to the IGP. The statements were apparently made on March 29, 2025, and by the next day, the IGP had ordered Gumel to be relocated to Community Policing, Research and Planning.

The movement was officially announced by a wireless message dated March 30, 2025, with reference number: TH.5361/FS/FHQ/ABJ/SUB.5/314, which revealed Gumel’s replacement by AIG Mobolaji Victor Olaiya as the new AIG to lead Zone 7.

The move has been interpreted as a serious demotion for Gumel, since Zone 7 is a strategic and “lucrative” beat, and Community Policing, Research and Planning is regarded as a “punitive beat”.

The transfer has raised eyebrows in the police force, with some asking questions about the IGP’s motive.

As of press time, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, had not responded to a call for comment. A call made to him via his phone line was also futile.

The incident has raised questions regarding the freedom of expression of the police officers and the autonomy of the police force. The incident has also questioned the effects of the state of emergency that was declared in Rivers State and the role of the police in its enforcement.

The relocation of AIG Gumel is seen as a significant event in the ongoing controversy surrounding the state of emergency in Rivers State, and it remains to be seen how events will unfold in the coming days.