A CHIEF Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered detention of a university lecturer and public affairs commentator, Bashir Kurfi, over his claim that the state government sponsored some bandits to this year’s holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro gave the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned Kurfi over alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, allegedly made defamatory remarks during a live television interview on June 24, this year.
The was charged by the Police with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, saying 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.
The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant made the allegation knowing, or having reason to believe, that it would injure the reputation of the government and its citizens.
When the charges were read to him, Kurfi pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution prayed the court to remand him in Police custody, pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting him bail at this stage could interfere with the investigation.
But his Counsel, A.D. Umar, opposed the application, urging the court to admit his client to bail, maintaining that he was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.
The Magistrate directed that the police continue with their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in Police custody, pending the adjourned date.
The matter was adjourned until Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
Kurfi was thereafter escorted back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
Recall that a few days after Kurfi made the claim, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
