Katsina Government Denies Sponsoring Bandits’ Hajj, Calls for Evidence

The Katsina State Government has rejected claims that it funded Hajj pilgrimages for bandit leaders or other criminal actors terrorizing the state.

In a statement issued by Dr. Nasir Muazu, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the government called the allegations baseless and politically driven.

Security analyst Dr. Bashir Kurfi, on a private television program, asserted that Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s administration had paid N10 million to sponsor Hajj pilgrimages for bandits.

Muazu countered by stating that the claim was “entirely baseless, unfounded, and devoid of any factual basis.”

The statement added that the allegation was a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and undermine the government’s and security agencies’ efforts to address insecurity.

The government challenged Kurfi and others to present credible evidence or face legal consequences.

The statement read: “The Katsina State Government wishes to categorically refute and strongly condemn the false and misleading statement made by one Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on Trust TV, in which he alleged that the state government sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandit leaders or any individuals involved in banditry and other criminal activities.”

“Accordingly, the government challenges the purveyors of these allegations to substantiate their claims with credible and verifiable evidence.”

“Failure to do so will leave the government with no option but to explore all lawful means available to protect its reputation and hold those responsible accountable for spreading false and defamatory information.”

The statement also expressed regret that such allegations were circulating amid the state’s recent successes against banditry and related offenses.