Amnesty International has criticised the detention of public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, describing it as an attempt to silence dissent after he accused the Katsina State Government of sponsoring bandits to perform the Hajj pilgrimage.
The rights organisation alleged that Kurfi’s arrest followed remarks he made during an interview on Trust Television, where he questioned the state government’s handling of insecurity and made allegations concerning its relationship with armed groups.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Amnesty said the lecturer honoured a police invitation on Tuesday over what he believed was an unrelated matter but was subsequently informed that he would be detained over a petition arising from his television interview.
The organisation described the development as an abuse of state power and an attack on the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
According to Amnesty, there are attempts to prolong Kurfi’s detention through the alleged misuse of law enforcement and the judicial process, with plans to prosecute him on what it described as trumped-up charges.
“Right now, a plot is ongoing to keep Dr. Bashir Kurfi in detention indefinitely through manipulation of the police and the local judiciary. The plan to trap him with fabricated charges through a sham trial is an attack on freedom of expression,” the organisation said.
Amnesty accused the Katsina State Government of responding to criticism with repression instead of investigating the issues raised by the lecturer.
“It is clear that the Katsina State Government is keenly working to punish him for asking questions regarding its handling of banditry. Instead of investigating the allegations Dr. Kurfi raised in the public interest, the government has resorted to outright repression,” the statement added.
The organisation argued that the detention could discourage citizens from demanding accountability over the worsening security situation in Katsina State, where repeated attacks by armed bandits have resulted in loss of lives and widespread displacement.
It maintained that expressing opinions on government policies and public affairs is protected by law and should not lead to arrest or criminal prosecution.
“No one should be punished for criticising government or probing official dealings. Dr. Bashir Kurfi did not commit any crime and his arrest shows a clear abuse of power,” Amnesty stated.
The rights group further alleged that while authorities have struggled to curb persistent bandit attacks across parts of Katsina State, security agencies have continued to target individuals who speak out against the violence or demand improved protection for affected communities.
Amnesty also said it has documented several cases since 2020 involving the alleged intimidation, arrest and torture of farmers, activists and human rights defenders for raising concerns over insecurity or criticising the government’s response.