CNG Demands Release of Dr. Bashir Kurfi, Alleges Political Persecution

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), Katsina State chapter, has called for the immediate and unconditional release of public affairs analyst, Dr. Bashir Kurfi, condemning what it described as his "political persecution" over comments he allegedly made on insecurity and the handling of banditry in Katsina State.

In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the CNG State Coordinator, Abdullahi Kabir, the group alleged that Dr. Kurfi's arrest and continued detention amounted to an attack on democracy, freedom of expression, and the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

According to the statement, the coalition accused authorities of using law enforcement and the judicial process to target a citizen for expressing his views on matters of public interest. It argued that rather than addressing the persistent insecurity affecting communities across Katsina State, efforts were allegedly being directed at silencing critics.

The group further claimed that attempts to keep Dr. Kurfi in detention through what it described as "fabricated charges" and a "manipulated judicial process" reflected political repression. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and the relevant authorities have yet to publicly respond to the claims.

CNG also said the development reinforces concerns previously raised by some Nigerians regarding the proposed establishment of state police, arguing that security institutions must be protected from political interference through stronger constitutional safeguards and institutional independence.

The coalition maintained that citizens should not face criminal sanctions for demanding accountability or criticizing government policies, stressing that freedom of expression remains a constitutional right.

It called on the Nigeria Police Force to focus on tackling criminal activities across Katsina State and the wider North, rather than what it described as politically motivated actions against critics.

The group urged the authorities to release Dr. Kurfi unconditionally, withdraw any actions it considers politically motivated, and protect the rights of journalists, analysts, activists, and other citizens to express their views on issues of public interest.

As of the time of filing this report, the Katsina State Government and the Nigeria Police Force had not issued any official response to the allegations contained in the CNG statement.