A chief magistrate's court in Katsina has ordered the remand of Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer and public commentator, following allegations that he accused the Katsina State Government of sponsoring bandits to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned Kurfi on charges of defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
Allegations and Charges
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Dr. Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, allegedly made defamatory remarks during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2026. The police charged him with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina. The prosecution claimed that Kurfi alleged the Katsina State Government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for some bandit leaders, a statement described as false, malicious, and capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the state government and its people. The prosecutor argued that Kurfi made the allegation knowing or having reason to believe it would injure the reputation of the government and citizens.
Court Proceedings
When the charges were read to him, Dr. Kurfi pleaded not guilty. Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting bail could interfere with the investigation. Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and prayed the court to admit his client to bail, maintaining that the defendant was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.
The magistrate directed that the police continue with their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in police custody pending the adjourned date. The matter was adjourned to Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would be vindicated. Dr. Kurfi was thereafter escorted back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
Context and Aftermath
Days after Dr. Kurfi made the allegation, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj. According to the Minister, they were arrested at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina. This development has added a layer of complexity to the case, as the arrest of suspected bandit leaders returning from Hajj appears to corroborate aspects of Kurfi's claims, though the legal proceedings continue.
