Court Orders Detention Of Lecturer For Claiming Govt Sponsored Bandits To Hajj

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the detention of a lecturer and public affairs commentator, Dr Bashir Kurfi, over alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.

Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro gave the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned Kurfi before the court.

According to the First Information Report, Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, allegedly made defamatory remarks during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2026.

NEWSNGR reports that the police charged Kurfi with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.

The prosecution alleged that Kurfi claimed that the Katsina State Government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for some bandit leaders.

It described the statement as false, malicious and capable of damaging the image and reputation of the state government and the people of Katsina.

The prosecutor further argued that the defendant made the allegation knowing, or having reason to believe, that it would injure the reputation of the government and residents of the state.

When the charges were read to him, Kurfi pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.

The prosecutor argued that granting him bail at this stage could interfere with the ongoing investigation.

However, counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and asked the court to admit his client to bail, insisting that Kurfi was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.

The magistrate directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in police custody pending the next adjourned date.

The matter was adjourned till Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the proceedings, Umar expressed confidence that his client would be vindicated.

Kurfi was later escorted back to the State Criminal Investigation Department of the Katsina State Police Command.

The development comes days after Kurfi made the allegation.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had later announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.