Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of public affairs analyst, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, condemning his detention by the Katsina State Police Command as arbitrary and politically motivated over comments he made on the state’s handling of banditry.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the human rights organisation alleged that Kurfi was being punished for expressing his views during an interview on Trust Television, where he questioned the Katsina State Government’s response to the worsening insecurity in the state.
According to Amnesty International, Kurfi honoured a police invitation on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, to answer questions on an unrelated matter but was unexpectedly informed that he would be detained over a petition arising from his comments on banditry.
“Yesterday, Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Dr. Bashir Kurfi honoured an invitation by the Katsina State Police Command to answer questions on a separate matter, but he was abruptly informed that he will be detained because of a petition against him relating to an interview on banditry on Trust Television,” the organisation said.
Amnesty further alleged that authorities were plotting to keep the analyst in detention through abuse of power and fabricated charges.
“Right now, a plot is ongoing to keep Dr. Bashir Kurfi in detention indefinitely through abuse of power. The plan to trap him with fabricated charges through a sham trial is an attack on freedom of expression,” it stated.
The organisation accused the Katsina State Government of attempting to silence dissent instead of addressing concerns raised over the security situation.
“Clearly, government is keenly working to punish him for asking questions regarding Katsina State Government’s handling of banditry. Instead of investigating the allegations Dr. Kurfi raised, in the interest of the public, the state government had resorted to outright repression.”
According to Amnesty International, the detention sends a dangerous message to citizens who seek accountability over the persistent attacks by armed bandits.
“This brazen attempt to silence Dr. Bashir Kurfi is aimed at intimidating people to prevent public scrutiny of government’s woeful handling of the rampant banditry that had claimed hundreds of lives and forced thousands of people to desert their villages across Katsina State.”
The rights organisation insisted that Kurfi had committed no offence and was merely exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression.
“No one should be punished for criticizing government or probing official dealings. Dr. Bashir Kurfi did not commit any crime and his arrest shows clear abuse of power. It is perfectly within his right to raise questions or criticize any government policy.”
Amnesty also faulted the authorities for allegedly targeting critics while failing to adequately tackle the insecurity confronting residents.
“Not only has the government failed to take the steps needed to adequately end frequent attacks by bandits in Katsina State, police regularly punish those who dare to ask for more protection.”
The organisation noted that the incident reflects a broader pattern of repression it has documented over the years.
“Since 2020, Amnesty International has been documenting how farmers, rights groups, and activists are subjected to intimidation, arrest and torture for speaking out against the attacks by bandits or asking government to help protect the people,” the statement added.
