Two ADC Supporters Remanded Over Airport Incident in Gombe

A Chief Magistrate Court No. 2 in Gombe has ordered that two men, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, also known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, be held in police custody. This follows their alleged role in the invasion of the Gombe International Airport when the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Bala Tinka, was arriving.

Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar presided over the court. The defendants pleaded not guilty to seven charges. These include criminal trespass, disobeying a lawful order from a public servant, blocking a public servant from doing their duties, intentional insult, causing a disturbance, and mischief.

The police prosecutor, Umehi Thomas, informed the court that the alleged offenses happened on July 15, 2026, around 12pm. He said, "The defendants, along with others who are still at large, forcefully invaded the Gombe International Airport during the arrival of Dr Bala Bello Tinka. They broke the security lock at the Executive Gate of the VIP area and entered the restricted part of the airport without permission."

Thomas added, "All attempts by security and airport management to stop them failed. The defendants became violent and insulted the officials. The cost of the damage will be determined during the investigation."

The prosecutor stated that these actions violate Sections 79, 342, 148, 143, 399, 114, and 326 of the Penal Code Law. After the defendants pleaded not guilty, Thomas asked the court to keep them in custody while investigations continue.

He argued, "Since the defendants pleaded not guilty and investigations are ongoing, they should remain in a custodial facility."

The defendants' lawyer, Ayuba Rabiu, disagreed with the remand request. He urged the court to grant bail to his clients. Rabiu said, "The court can grant bail under Section 177 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Gombe State, 2020, and Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended)."

He also pointed out, "The defendants have been in police custody for five days since July 16, 2026."

After hearing from both sides, Chief Magistrate Abubakar postponed the main case until August 5, 2026, for further hearing. The court will also decide on the bail application on Thursday, July 23, 2026.