A lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, has been detained on the order of Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro in Katsina.
The police in the state arraigned Kurfi after the Chief Magistrate gave the order over alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
The First Information Report (FIR) accused Dr. Kurfi, public affairs commentator, of making defamatory remarks during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2026.
The police, under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State, accused the defendant of falsely accusing the Katsina State Government of sponsoring some bandit leaders for Hajj pilgrimage, adding that the accusation was false, malicious and capable of tarnishing the image and reputation of the state government and the people of Katsina.
According to the prosecutor, the lecturer made the allegation knowing, or having reason to believe, that it would injure the reputation of the government and its citizens.
But Dr. Kurfi pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the plea, the prosecutor urged the court to detain the defendant in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations, saying granting the lecturer bail at this stage could interfere with the investigation.
Dr. Kurfi’s defendant, A.D. Umar, opposed the application and asked the court to admit his client to bail, adding that the defendant was entitled to his liberty while standing trial.
The Chief Magistrate ordered the police to continue with their investigation and ordered that the defendant remain in police custody pending the adjourned date.
The matter was then adjourned to Monday, July 14, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would be vindicated.
The lecturer was thereafter taken back to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Katsina State Police Command.
It would be recalled that after Dr. Kurfi made the allegation, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the Department of State Services (DSS) arrested some bandit leaders returning from Hajj.
The Minister said they were arrested at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
