Court Orders Lecturer Remanded Over Claim Government Sponsored Bandits For Hajj

A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, over allegations of defamation and injurious falsehood.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the order after Kurfi was arraigned by the Katsina State Police Command on charges arising from comments he allegedly made during a Trust TV interview on June 24, 2026.

According to the First Information Report presented in court, the police charged the lecturer with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.

The prosecution alleged that Kurfi claimed during the interview that the Katsina State Government sponsored the Hajj pilgrimage of some suspected bandit leaders.

Police argued that the statement was false, malicious and capable of damaging the reputation of both the state government and the people of Katsina.

The prosecution further maintained that the defendant made the allegation knowing, or having reason to believe, that it could harm the image of the government and residents of the state.

When the charges were read, Kurfi pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand him in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting bail at this stage could interfere with the investigative process.

Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and asked the court to admit his client to bail, contending that Kurfi was entitled to his liberty while awaiting trial.

After hearing both parties, the Chief Magistrate directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in custody until the next hearing.

The case was adjourned to July 14, 2026, for further proceedings.

Speaking to journalists after the court session, defence counsel expressed confidence that his client would ultimately be cleared of the allegations.

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

The case follows comments made by the lecturer alleging that the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders for the Hajj pilgrimage.

Days after the claim, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced that the Department of State Services (DSS) had arrested suspected bandit leaders upon their return from Hajj at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport.