A Chief Magistrates’ Court II sitting in Katsina has granted bail to security analyst and public affairs commentator, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, who is standing trial over alleged defamatory remarks against the Katsina State Government.

The Katsina State Government came under heavy criticism, following Kurfi’s arrest and his subsequent detention, with concerned Nigerians and civil society organisations describing the development as misplacement of priority and questioning the government’s handling of the matter.

In a statement, Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, condemned the detention of Kurfi and described his arrest as arbitrary and an attack on freedom of expression.

Dr. Kurfi, a former lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood, contrary to Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the defendant made the statements during an interview aired on Trust TV on June 24, 2026, in which he claimed that the Katsina State Government sponsored the Hajj pilgrimage of some bandit leaders.

The prosecution maintained that the statement was false, malicious and capable of injuring the reputation of the state government and the people of Katsina State, adding that the defendant made the remarks knowing, or having reason to believe, that they would damage the government’s image.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.

At the resumed hearing, counsel to the prosecution informed the court that investigations had been concluded and that the prosecution was ready to proceed to trial.

Defence counsel, A.D. Umar, renewed his application for bail, arguing that his client was entitled to bail pending the determination of the case.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Sani admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two sureties.

The court ordered that the sureties must own landed properties within Katsina metropolis, and that they would each be liable to forfeit ₦500,000 to the state in the event the defendant absconds or fails to appear before the court as required.

The case was thereafter adjourned to August 13, 2026, for commencement of hearing.

Speaking with journalists after the proceedings, defence counsel A.D. Umar expressed confidence that his client would be vindicated through the judicial process.

Security was heightened in and around the court premises, with security personnel deployed to maintain law and order throughout the proceedings.

Also present at the court were members of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and leaders of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), ABU Zaria branch, who described the proceedings as seamless, peaceful and orderly. (Daily Trust)

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