Court remands security analyst Bashir Kurfi over Hajj allegation against Katsina govt
A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina has ordered the remand of Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a security analyst and public affairs commentator, in police custody following allegations of defamation against the Katsina State Government. The court’s decision came after Kurfi was arraigned by the Katsina State Police Command on charges of defamation of character and injurious falsehood.
The allegations against Kurfi stem from remarks made during an interview on Trust TV on June 24, 2023, where he asserted that the state government had sponsored certain bandit leaders to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The prosecution claimed these assertions were unfounded and had the potential to damage the reputation of both the government and the people of Katsina.
Kurfi, who is also a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, pleaded not guilty to the charges. After his plea, the prosecution requested that he be remanded in police custody to prevent any interference with ongoing investigations.
In contrast, Kurfi’s attorney, A.D. Umar, opposed the prosecution’s request, advocating for his client’s right to bail during the trial process.
Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Kofar Soro issued the remand order, directing police to continue their investigations into the matter. The case is set to resume on July 14, 2023, for further hearings.