5 days after, Kurfi granted bail in alleged defamation case

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. Dr Kurfi, a former lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, is facing a two-count charge bordering on alleged defamation […]

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.
Dr Kurfi, a former lecturer at the 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.

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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 N500,000, 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 N500,000 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.