Security analyst and Convener of the Katsina Security Community Initiative, Bashir Kurfi, has been detained by the police in Katsina State following allegations he made against the state government during a television interview.
Kurfi reported to the Katsina State Police Command headquarters on Tuesday after responding to a police invitation for questioning. His detention was later disclosed by North-West conflict reporter Bakatsine in a post on X.
During an interview with Trust TV, Kurfi alleged that the Katsina State Government sponsored some former bandit leaders to participate in this year's Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. He claimed the government spent about N10 million on each pilgrim and questioned the effectiveness of its peace initiatives with armed groups, alleging that some bandit leaders had benefited from government support.
Kurfi did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations during the interview.
According to the security analyst, police questioned him about his activities as a civil society advocate before informing him that a petition had been filed against him over the interview. He said he declined to make further statements until his lawyers were present.
Kurfi added that he was later taken to court, but the day's proceedings had already ended. He was subsequently returned to police custody and is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday.
The Katsina State Government has denied the allegations, describing them as false and lacking any factual basis. It challenged Kurfi to present credible evidence in support of his claims and warned that it would pursue legal action if he failed to do so.
