The United Intellectuals for Community Development Initiative (UNICODI) has called on the Katsina State Government to immediately release detained academic and human rights advocate, Dr. Bashir Kurfi Babangida, urging authorities to engage him in efforts to address the state’s worsening security challenges instead of prosecuting him.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Prof. Mohammed Mustapha Abubakar, on Saturday, UNICODI described the detention of Dr. Kurfi as a setback to democratic engagement and freedom of expression.
Dr. Kurfi, a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University and Executive Director of the Network for Justice, was arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Katsina on July 8, 2026, on two counts of alleged defamation and injurious falsehood under Sections 308 and 309(1) of the Katsina State Penal Code.
The charges followed his public comments on the Katsina State Government’s handling of insecurity. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody until July 14, 2026, when the case is expected to continue.
UNICODI said the arrest had attracted both national and international attention, noting that rights groups had criticised the action as an attempt to suppress dissent rather than address concerns over insecurity.
According to the group, the government should investigate the issues raised by Dr. Kurfi instead of prosecuting him, arguing that constructive engagement would better serve the public interest.
The organisation described Dr. Kurfi as a respected scholar and long-time advocate for peace and justice whose contributions to public discourse and conflict resolution in Northern Nigeria have earned him national recognition.
It also highlighted his academic work on violent crime in Northwest Nigeria, saying his research and experience could contribute significantly to finding lasting solutions to the region’s security challenges.
UNICODI further argued that Katsina State, which continues to grapple with banditry and other security threats, would benefit more from dialogue with stakeholders than from legal action against critics.
The group urged the state government to demonstrate statesmanship by releasing Dr. Kurfi and working with experts, civil society organisations and community leaders to tackle the security situation.
“Instead of prosecuting Dr. Kurfi, the government should engage him positively and respectfully to tap into his vast knowledge and experience in restoring peace to the state,” the statement said.
The organisation maintained that constructive dialogue and accountability remain essential to addressing the security crisis affecting communities across Katsina State.
