Katsina Lecturer Remanded Over Allegations of State-Sponsored Bandit Hajj

A Chief Magistrates' Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a university lecturer and well-known public affairs commentator. Dr. Kurfi faces allegations of defaming the Katsina State Government by claiming it sponsored bandits on Hajj pilgrimage.

Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the order after the Katsina State Police Command brought charges against Kurfi for alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Dr. Kurfi, who lectures at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, purportedly made the defamatory statements during an interview on Trust TV, aired on June 24, 2026.

The police have charged the defendant with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina. The prosecution argued that Dr. Kurfi's assertion that the Katsina State Government funded Hajj trips for certain bandit leaders was false, malicious, and damaging to the state government's image and the reputation of Katsina's people. It was further contended by the prosecutor that the defendant made these allegations with the knowledge, or reasonable belief, that they would harm the government's and its citizens' standing.

When the charges were read in court, Dr. Kurfi entered a plea of not guilty. Following this, the prosecution requested the court to remand the defendant in police custody, stating that granting bail at this stage could hinder ongoing investigations. However, A.D. Umar, counsel for the defendant, opposed the remand application, arguing that his client was entitled to his liberty while awaiting trial.

The magistrate directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered Dr. Kurfi to remain in police custody. The case has been adjourned until Monday, July 14, 2026, for further hearing. Speaking to journalists after the proceedings, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would ultimately be vindicated. Dr. Kurfi was subsequently taken back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.

This development follows an announcement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, days after Dr. Kurfi's initial allegation. The Minister disclosed that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.