A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of a lecturer and public affairs commentator, Dr Bashir Kurfi, over allegations that he defamed the Katsina State Government by claiming it sponsored bandits to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned Kurfi on charges of alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the defendant, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, allegedly made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV on 24 June 2026.
The police charged him with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
The prosecution alleged that Kurfi claimed the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders for the Hajj pilgrimage, a statement it described as false, malicious and capable of damaging the image and reputation of both the state government and the people of Katsina.
The prosecutor further argued that the defendant made the allegations knowing, or having reason to believe, that they would injure the reputation of the government and its citizens.
When the charges were read to him, Dr Kurfi pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting him bail at this stage could interfere with the ongoing probe.
Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and urged the court to grant his client bail, insisting that he was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.
However, the magistrate directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in police custody pending the next hearing.
The case was adjourned until Monday, 14 July 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would eventually be vindicated.
Following the proceedings, Dr Kurfi was escorted back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
The case comes days after the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested some suspected bandit leaders returning from Hajj.
According to the minister, the suspects were apprehended at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport.
