By Editor
A Chief Magistrates' Court in Katsina has remanded Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, over allegations that he falsely accused the Katsina State Government of sponsoring bandits to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro gave the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned the lecturer on charges of alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Dr. Kurfi made the allegations during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2026, where he reportedly claimed that the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders to participate in the Hajj exercise.
The police charged the lecturer with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, arguing that the remarks were false, malicious and capable of damaging the reputation of both the state government and its people.
When the charges were read, 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, maintaining that granting him bail at this stage could interfere with the investigation.
Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and asked the court to admit his client to bail, insisting that he was entitled to his liberty while facing trial.
After listening to both parties, the Chief Magistrate ordered that the police continue with their investigation and directed that the defendant remain in police custody until the next hearing.
The matter was adjourned to Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would ultimately be vindicated.
Dr. Kurfi was subsequently 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 operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested suspected bandit leaders returning from the Hajj pilgrimage at the Umaru Musa Yar'Adua Airport in Katsina.