The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Northwest Zone, has condemned the alleged intimidation of academics through security agencies, demanding a fair hearing for Dr. Kurfi of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, who was arrested and arraigned over a statement concerning insecurity in Katsina State.
The union urged the Katsina State Government to prioritise insecurity, economic hardship and challenges in the education sector rather than take actions capable of discouraging academics from expressing their views on issues of public interest.
The Northwest Zonal Chairman of ASUU, Professor Abubakar Sabo, made the call while addressing journalists in his office on Wednesday.
Kurfi was reportedly arrested by personnel from the Department of State Services and arraigned before the Katsina State High Court on October 13, 2026, over the alleged statement. He was subsequently granted bail, while the case was adjourned until October 16.
Reacting to the development, Sabo said the union was concerned about the possibility of government institutions being used to intimidate academics for expressing opinions on matters affecting society.
He stressed that although ASUU supported the rule of law, the enforcement of the law must not be used to suppress dissenting views or undermine academic freedom.
“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,” Sabo said.
He urged the Katsina State Government to address the underlying challenges confronting residents, particularly insecurity and economic hardship, instead of engaging in actions that could heighten tensions within the academic community.
“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,” he said.
Sabo said the union was monitoring the case to ensure that Kurfi’s rights were protected and that the judicial process was conducted fairly.
He disclosed that representatives of ASUU branches across the Northwest Zone had attended the court proceedings and would continue to monitor developments.
“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 said ASUU would consider further action if its assessment of the proceedings established that the lecturer had been denied justice.
However, he maintained that the union would respect the judicial process if the allegations against Kurfi were established through a fair hearing.
“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,” Sabo said.
He emphasised that academics should be able to contribute to public discussions on security, the economy and education without fear of intimidation, while remaining subject to the law.
Sabo urged the judiciary to determine the case on its merits, warning that any perceived denial of justice could erode public confidence in the legal system.
“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,” he said.
ASUU reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of university lecturers and upholding academic freedom, fairness, accountability and the rule of law.