Documents exclusively obtained by SaharaReporters have revealed that several alleged ‘repentant’ bandits at the centre of the controversy over claims that the Katsina State Government sponsored their 2026 Hajj pilgrimage told police investigators they personally funded the religious exercise, contradicting allegations that public funds were used to finance their trip.
The documents, comprising witness statements, official police correspondence and responses from the Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board, formed part of an investigation launched by the Katsina State Police Command following allegations made by Ahmadu Bello University lecturer and public affairs commentator, Dr. Bashir Kurfi.
Kurfi had alleged during an interview on Trust TV that the Katsina State Government sponsored some alleged bandit leaders to perform the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
The allegation generated widespread controversy, prompting the Katsina State Government to petition the police. Kurfi was subsequently arraigned before a Chief Magistrates' Court in Katsina on charges bordering on defamation of character and injurious falsehood. He was remanded in prison before being granted bail earlier this week.
