A security analyst and convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, Bashir Kurfi, has been detained by the Katsina State Police Command over allegations he made against the state government during a television interview.
Kurfi was taken into custody on Tuesday after honouring a police invitation for questioning at the Katsina State Police Command headquarters.
According to conflict reporter Bakatsine, who disclosed the development in a post on X, Kurfi’s detention followed a petition filed against him over comments he made during an interview on Trust TV.
During the interview, Kurfi alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some former bandit leaders to participate in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, claiming that approximately ₦10 million was spent on each pilgrim. He also questioned the state’s peace initiatives with armed groups, alleging that some bandit leaders benefited from government patronage.
Kurfi, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
Speaking on the development, Kurfi said that after responding to questions regarding his activities as a civil society advocate, police informed him that a petition had been lodged against him. He said he declined to make any further statement until his legal representatives arrived.
He added that he was subsequently taken to court, but proceedings had already concluded for the day, leading to his return to police custody. He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.
The Katsina State Government had earlier dismissed Kurfi’s claims as false, describing them as baseless and lacking factual support. The government also challenged him to present credible evidence to substantiate the allegations, warning that legal action would be pursued if he failed to do so.
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