A Katsina Chief Magistrates’ Court has ordered that Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer and public affairs commentator, be detained.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the order after the Katsina State Police Command charged Kurfi with defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Dr. Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, allegedly made defamatory remarks in an interview with Trust TV on June 24, 2026.
In a report published by Daily Trust, The defendant was charged with two counts under sections 308 and 309(1) of Katsina State’s Penal Code Law.
The prosecution claimed that the defendant alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for some bandit leaders, a statement it described as false, malicious and capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the state government and the people of Katsina.
AThe prosecutor also argued that the defendant made the allegation knowing or having reason to believe that it would harm the reputation of the government and its citizens.
When the charges were read to Dr. Kurfi, he pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in police custody pending the completion of investigations, arguing that granting him bail at this time could jeopardize the investigation.
A.D. Umar, the defendant’s counsel, opposed the application and urged the court to admit his client to bail, arguing that the defendant was entitled to liberty while on trial.
The magistrate directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered the defendant to remain in police custody until the adjourned date.
The hearing was adjourned to Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the proceedings, defense counsel A.D. Umar was confident that his client would be vindicated.
Dr. Kurfi was then led back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
Days after Dr. Kurfi made the allegation, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj.According to the Minister, they were arrested at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
First published by Daily Trust
