The Federal High Court in Katsina has adjourned the ongoing case involving Dr. Bashir Kurfi, a security analyst and university lecturer, to November 4, 2026. According to single-source reporting by Daily Trust, the adjournment was granted to enable the defense counsel to properly review and respond to a counter-affidavit filed by the respondents.
Speaking to journalists after Tuesday’s court proceedings, counsel to Dr. Kurfi, A.D. Umar, explained that the first and third respondents served the defense team with their counter-affidavit on Monday evening. Because of the late service, Umar noted that the legal team required adequate time to examine the documents and draft a formal response.
“Unfortunately, counsel to the first and third respondents served us with their counter-affidavit yesterday evening, so there is a need for us to respond,” Umar stated. He added that the court was duly notified, leading to the matter being adjourned to November 4 for a definite hearing.
ASUU Expresses Solidarity With Kurfi
Meanwhile, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has thrown its weight behind the embattled lecturer, sending a high-level delegation to the court proceedings to demonstrate institutional support.
Dahiru Rabe, chairman of the ASUU branch at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA), attended the session representing the union’s Sokoto Zonal Coordinator. Rabe emphasized that ASUU is closely monitoring the proceedings to ensure a fair outcome.
“We are here to show our solidarity with one of us who has been dragged into this litigation. We want justice to be done,” Rabe said, stressing the union’s concern for a transparent and timely resolution. “Delaying justice is denying justice.”
Background of the Case
Dr. Kurfi, a former lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, faces legal proceedings concerning allegations of defamation and injurious falsehood. The charges stem from public comments he made regarding the Katsina State Government and the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. He has previously entered a plea of not guilty.
With the recent procedural delay, the Federal High Court will reconvene on November 4, 2026, to resume further hearings in the matter.