Court remands two ADC supporters over Gombe airport disruption

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Gombe has ordered that two supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) remain in police custody over their alleged involvement in the disruption at Gombe International Airport during the arrival of the party’s governorship candidate, Dr Bala Bello Tinka.

The defendants, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, also known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, appeared before Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar on Tuesday.

They pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on criminal trespass, disobedience to a lawful order, obstruction of public officials, intentional insult, inciting disturbance and causing damage.

Police prosecutor Umehi Thomas told the court that the incident occurred around noon on July 15, 2026.

He alleged: “The defendants, together with others now at large, forcefully invaded the Gombe International Airport during the arrival of Dr Bala Bello Tinka, destroyed the security lock at the Executive Gate of the VIP section and gained unauthorised access to the restricted area of the airport.”

Thomas further claimed: “All efforts by security personnel and the airport management to stop them proved abortive as the defendants turned violent and insulted officials. The value of the damaged property will be ascertained during the course of the investigation.”

He urged the court to remand the defendants while investigations continue, saying, “Since the defendants have pleaded not guilty and investigation is still ongoing, they should be remanded in a custodial facility.”

Defence lawyer Ayuba Rabiu opposed the request, asking the court to grant his clients bail.

He argued that, “The court has the power to grant bail under Section 177 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Gombe State, 2020, as well as Sections 34, 35 and 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”

He also told the court, “The defendants have already been in police custody for five days since July 16, 2026.”

After hearing arguments from both sides, Chief Magistrate Abubakar adjourned the case until August 5, 2026, for hearing and fixed July 23, 2026, to rule on the defendants’ bail application.

Court remands two ADC supporters over Gombe airport disruption