Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Fresh developments have emerged in the legal proceedings involving Dr Bashir Kurfi, the security analyst and public affairs commentator whose arrest over allegations that the Katsina State Government sponsored bandit leaders to the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage has drawn national attention and condemnation from human rights groups. According to local reports, Kurfi, who remains in police custody by court order, has submitted a written statement to investigators in the presence of his lawyer, clarifying that he never directly accused the state government of financing the pilgrimage of bandits.
In his written statement, Kurfi reportedly denied ever claiming that the Katsina State Government paid for bandits to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Instead, he maintained that he merely referenced allegations already circulating in the public domain, arguing that if such claims exist, the government should openly address them to clear public doubts and ensure transparency. This clarification comes after Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and Convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, had alleged during a Trust TV interview on June 24, 2026, that the state government sponsored some former bandit leaders to perform the Hajj in Saudi Arabia, claiming 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.
Kurfi was detained by the Katsina State Police Command on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after honouring an invitation for questioning over a separate matter. During the session, he was informed of a petition filed against him relating to his Trust TV interview and was subsequently detained. He was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates' Court in Katsina on Wednesday, July 8, on a two-count charge bordering on alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State. The prosecution argued that the allegation was false, malicious and capable of damaging the reputation of the state government and the people of Katsina. Kurfi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand him in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting bail could interfere with the probe. Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and urged the court to grant his client bail, insisting that Kurfi was entitled to his liberty while standing trial. Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody and directed the police to continue their investigation. The case was adjourned until July 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Since then, Kurfi's legal team has filed a fresh application seeking his release on bail pending the determination of the case.
Sources familiar with the investigation disclosed that the police have concluded their inquiries and are now preparing to present their evidence before the court as the matter progresses. The case is expected to resume on Monday, July 14, when the court will consider the latest developments, including the bail application and the prosecution's next steps.
The dispute originated when Kurfi made the allegation during a June television appearance. The Katsina State Government quickly dismissed the claim as untrue, challenging the analyst to produce evidence backing his assertion. The government had earlier denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and without factual basis, and warned that it would take legal action if the allegations were not substantiated.
The arrest has drawn sharp criticism from human rights groups, with Amnesty International condemning the detention as arbitrary and an attack on freedom of expression. The rights group alleged that there is a plot to keep Kurfi in detention indefinitely through manipulation of the police and the local judiciary, and that the plan to trap him with fabricated charges through a sham trial is an attack on freedom of expression. Amnesty said the Katsina State Government was punishing Kurfi for questioning its handling of banditry in the state.
Meanwhile, a group of concerned elders in Katsina State has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Kurfi, describing his arrest and detention as detrimental to ongoing efforts aimed at tackling insecurity in the state. The Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita Campaign Organisation has also condemned the arrest of the security analyst, demanding his release from police detention. As the case resumes on Monday, all eyes will be on the Katsina Chief Magistrates' Court to see whether Kurfi will be granted bail and how the prosecution's evidence will shape the proceedings.
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