A Chief Magistrate Court in Katsina has ordered the police to remand Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a lecturer who accused the Katsina State Government of sponsoring bandits to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage.
Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro gave the order after the Katsina State Police Command arraigned Kurfi on charges of alleged defamation and injurious falsehood.
The First Information Report (FIR), read to the embattled lecturer, Dr. Kurfi, of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, accused him of making defamatory remarks during an interview he granted to Trust TV on June 24, 2026.
The police charged the defendant with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
According to the prosecution, the defendant alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some bandit leaders to perform the Hajj pilgrimage, a claim it described as false, malicious and capable of tarnishing 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 its citizens.
However, in response to the charges read to him, Dr Kurfi pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, arguing that granting him bail at this stage could interfere with the investigation.
Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and urged the court to admit his client to bail, maintaining that the defendant was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.
The magistrate directed the police to continue with their investigation, ordered that the defendant be remanded in police custody, and adjourned the case to Monday, July 14, 2026, for the continuation of the hearing.
- Media Report