Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Katsina State Police Command has detained a security analyst and convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, following a petition filed by the state government over allegations he made during a recent television interview. Dr. Kurfi was arrested on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after honouring an invitation for questioning at the State Police Headquarters.
According to Dr. Kurfi, he initially believed the invitation was in connection with a separate petition he had earlier submitted to the police regarding the security situation in Katsina State. However, upon arrival, he was informed that the invitation was over a petition filed against him by the Katsina State Government. The petition, dated June 30, 2026, was submitted by the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasiru Mu'azu Danmusa, challenging comments made by Dr. Kurfi during an interview on Trust TV.
In the interview, Dr. Kurfi alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some former bandit leaders to perform this year's Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, claiming that about N10 million was spent on each pilgrim. He also questioned the effectiveness of peace agreements with armed groups, alleging that some bandit leaders benefited from government patronage. Following the interview, the Katsina State Government denied the allegations, describing them as baseless, unfounded, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public. The government challenged Dr. Kurfi to provide credible evidence to support his claims and warned it would pursue legal action if the allegations were not substantiated.
During his police interrogation, Dr. Kurfi was questioned over the allegations he made during the Trust TV interview and was asked to provide evidence to support his claims. He declined to make further statements until his lawyers arrived. He was later taken to court on Tuesday evening for arraignment, but the proceedings could not proceed as the presiding judge was unavailable. He was subsequently returned to police custody and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.
Dr. Kurfi, who is in good health, disclosed that he has been in detention since about 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday. He expects the matter to proceed once the court resumes on Wednesday. Efforts to obtain official comments from the Katsina State Government and the Katsina State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages seeking their reactions had not received responses.
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