A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of a university lecturer and public affairs commentator, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, over allegations that he falsely accused the Katsina State Government of sponsoring bandit leaders to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the remand order after Dr. Kurfi was arraigned by the Katsina State Police Command on charges of defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the defendant, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, allegedly made the claims during an interview aired on Trust TV on June 24, 2026.
The police charged him with two counts under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
The prosecution alleged that Dr. Kurfi falsely claimed the Katsina State Government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for some bandit leaders, describing the statement as malicious, false and capable of damaging the reputation of the state government and its people.
It further argued that the defendant made the allegation knowing, or having reason to believe, that it would injure the image of the government and the citizens of Katsina State.
When the charges were read in court, Dr. Kurfi pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecution requested that the court remand the defendant in police custody pending the completion of investigations, arguing that granting him bail at that stage could interfere with the investigative process.
Counsel to the defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and urged the court to admit his client to bail, maintaining that he was entitled to his liberty while awaiting trial.
In his ruling, Magistrate Kofar Soro directed the police to continue their investigation and ordered that Dr. Kurfi be remanded in police custody pending the next hearing.
The case was adjourned to Monday, July 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would eventually be cleared of the allegations.
Following the proceedings, Dr. Kurfi was escorted back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
The case comes days after Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested suspected bandit leaders returning from the Hajj pilgrimage.
According to the minister, the suspects were apprehended at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.