The Coalition of Northern Groups, Katsina State chapter, has openly criticized the Katsina State Government following the arrest and detention of public affairs analyst Dr. Bashir Kurfi.

In a statement released by the coalition’s state coordinator, Abdullahi Kabir, the group characterized the legal actions against Kurfi as a form of political persecution. They urged the state administration to redirect its energy, resources, and focus toward defeating the persistent threat of banditry plaguing local communities instead of clampdown efforts targeting vocal citizens.

The controversy stems from comments Dr. Kurfi made during an interview on Trust TV, where he expressed skepticism regarding the government’s commitment to eradicating banditry in Katsina. Most notably, Kurfi alleged that the state had previously sponsored some repentant bandit leaders on the Hajj pilgrimage.

The Katsina State Government quickly dismissed these claims as completely groundless and misleading, subsequently initiating the legal proceedings that led to Kurfi’s arrest and arraignment on defamation charges.

Advocates and regional stakeholders have warned that utilizing state power to suppress critical voices could erode trust and weaken the democratic process.

The coalition maintained that lasting peace and security can only be achieved when authorities welcome open dialogue and accountability. By calling for Kurfi’s immediate release, the group emphasized that the government must demonstrate overwhelming resolve against actual criminal elements rather than treating local analysts and critics as adversaries.