The trial of a security analyst and public affairs commentator, Dr Bashir Kurfi, over alleged defamation of character and injurious falsehood could not commence on Thursday before the Senior Magistrates’ Court II in Katsina. Kurfi, a former lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, is facing a two-count charge filed by the Katsina State Police Command under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Penal Code Law of Katsina State. The prosecution alleged that Kurfi, during an interview with Trust TV on June 24, 2026, claimed that the Katsina State Government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for some bandit leaders. Kurfi pleaded not guilty to the charges and was subsequently granted bail by the court. Thursday’s proceedings were scheduled for the opening of the hearing, with the prosecution expected to present its case through the tendering of documents and other exhibits, as well as calling witnesses. However, the defence counsel, A.D. Umar sought an adjournment, arguing that the prosecution served the relevant documents and exhibits only three days before the hearing. Umar told the court that the materials ought to have been made available at least seven days before the proceedings to allow the defence sufficient time to study them and prepare for trial. He, therefore, urged the court to adjourn the matter, stressing that the defence needed adequate time to examine the exhibits before witnesses could be called. But the prosecution opposed the application, describing the defence’s claim of lack of preparedness as untenable. The prosecution argued that the case had already been adjourned for almost three weeks and questioned why the defence was still not ready to proceed. It maintained that it was prepared to present its witnesses and exhibits and urged the court to allow the trial to commence. After hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Nuruddeen Sani adjourned the case until September 10 for continuation of the trial.
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