A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Katsina has remanded a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, in police custody over allegations that he falsely claimed the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Kurfi, a public affairs commentator, was arraigned on Wednesday before Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro on a two-count charge bordering on alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report filed by the Katsina State Police Command, the lecturer allegedly made the remarks during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2026.
The police said the comments, which alleged that the state government sponsored Hajj for some bandit leaders, were false, malicious and capable of damaging the reputation of the Katsina State Government and its people.
The defendant was charged under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
He 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 him bail at that stage could interfere with the probe.
However, defence counsel, A.D. Umar, opposed the application, insisting that his client was entitled to bail while standing trial.
Ruling on the application, Chief Magistrate Kofar Soro directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered that Kurfi remain in police custody pending the next hearing.
The case was adjourned until July 14, 2026, for continuation of proceedings.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Umar expressed confidence that his client would be cleared of the allegations at the end of the trial.
Kurfi was subsequently escorted to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Katsina State Police Command.
The lecturer’s arraignment comes days after the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that operatives of the Department of State Services arrested some suspected bandit leaders who were returning from Hajj.
According to the minister, the suspects were arrested at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
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