ASUU urges Katsina govt to stop alleged intimidation of academics

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Northwest Zone, has called on the Katsina State Government and security agencies to stop the alleged intimidation of academics and focus on addressing the state’s economic, educational and security challenges.

The union also urged the judiciary to ensure fairness and justice in the case of Dr Kurfi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who was reportedly arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) and arraigned before the High Court in Katsina on 13 October 2026 over an alleged statement concerning security challenges in the state.

The Northwest Zonal Chairman of ASUU, Professor Abubakar Sabo, made the call while addressing journalists in his office on Wednesday.

Sabo said the union was concerned about what it described as the use of government institutions and security agencies to intimidate academics over their opinions on issues affecting the country.

He, however, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to the rule of law, stressing that the legal process must be allowed to take its course without compromising the rights of the accused.

“While the union promotes the application of the rule of law in every circumstance, we are equally concerned about the use of government agencies as instruments of intimidation against an already traumatised population,” he said.

The ASUU zonal chairman said the reported arrest and arraignment of the lecturer had raised concerns within the academic community and among members of the public about the government’s priorities.

According to him, the Katsina State Government should concentrate on finding lasting solutions to the economic, social and security problems confronting residents rather than engaging in actions capable of creating fear among academics.

“The Katsina State Government should sincerely focus on addressing the economic, social and security challenges affecting the state rather than resorting to unnecessary intimidation of our fellow academics,” Sabo said.

He called on the relevant authorities and the judiciary to handle the case fairly, adding that the union would continue to monitor the proceedings to ensure that the lecturer’s rights were respected.

Sabo disclosed that Dr Kurfi had been released on bail, with the case adjourned until 16 October 2026.

He said representatives of the union’s branches in the zone had attended the proceedings and were following developments in the matter.

“The zone was there yesterday. Our branches were represented, and we are following the processes. We want to know exactly how he is being treated,” he said.

The zonal chairman warned that the union would take further action if its observations and available facts indicated that the lecturer was being subjected to unjust treatment.

“If we find out that he was not treated justly, we will do the needful on the matter,” he said.

Sabo maintained that ASUU would not condone attempts to silence its members for expressing their views on issues relating to national security, the economy and education.

He added, however, that if the lecturer was found to have violated the law, the appropriate legal process should determine the matter.

“If Dr Kurfi was found legally to be wanting, let justice take its course. But, on the other hand, if he was treated unjustly, based on our observations and facts, we will not allow ourselves to be intimidated. We will take the matter to the next level,” he said.

The union urged the public to pay attention to the proceedings, insisting that the case should be determined on its merits rather than through intimidation or the abuse of government power.

“Let it be on record that Nigerians are watching as the legal process takes place. Justice to one is justice to all, and injustice to one is injustice to all,” Sabo said.

He reiterated that ASUU would continue to defend the rights of its members while upholding the principles of justice, fairness and accountability.