A former lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello, Dr Bashir Kurfi who accused the Katsina state government of harboring terrorists have been granted bail by the state Magistrate court.
Dr Kurfi was admitted to bail on Monday by Chief Magistrate Zaharaddeen Sani in the sum of N500,000, with two sureties, after his counsel argued that the case is bailable.
Recall that the former lecturer, during an interview on Trust TV last month, accused the state government of sponsoring some bandits on state pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
The remark had jolted not a few Nigerians and sparked serious controversy in the state, which has been described as one of the epicentres of banditry and terrorism in the country.
The development further fueled suggestion that some state actors are aiding bandits and criminals who have taken up arms against the government, and making the lives of Nigerians difficult.
The state government, has however, denied the allegation.
He was charged to court by the state who accused him of defamation of character and injurious falsehood, contrary to Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State.
In the two-count charge preferred against the former lecturer, the state government accused him of peddling false and malicious information, capable of injuring the reputation of the state government and its people. Dr Kuffi has pleaded not guilty to the offence.
According to the ruling handed down by the magistrate yesterday. The defendant entitled to bail, but that his surety must ensure that he’s presented in court whenever necessary, failure to do so will attract the payment of the surety sum.
The case has now been adjourned to August 13, 2026, for hearing.
Meanwhile, the federal government said last week that some bandits leaders were arrested on their return from the pilgrimage, by the Department of state Services, DSS at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport in Katsina.
The disclosure was made by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who said the bandits were picked up following a tip-off.
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