Court remands two ADC supporters over Gombe airport invasion

A Chief Magistrate Court in Gombe has ordered the remand of two individuals, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, in police custody. They are accused of invading Gombe International Airport during the arrival of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Bala Tinka. The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar, heard that the defendants pleaded not guilty to seven charges.

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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.

The charges include criminal trespass, disobedience to lawful orders, obstruction of public servants, intentional insult, inciting disturbance, and mischief. Police prosecutor Umehi Thomas stated that the defendants, along with others at large, forcefully entered the airport's VIP section on July 15, 2026. They allegedly destroyed a security lock and gained unauthorized access, becoming violent and insulting officials when security personnel attempted to stop them.

Thomas requested the defendants' remand pending the conclusion of investigations, citing their not-guilty plea and ongoing inquiries. The defense counsel, Ayuba Rabiu, opposed the remand, arguing for bail under relevant laws, including the Constitution. Rabiu noted that the defendants had already been in police custody for five days since July 16.

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All efforts by security personnel and the airport management to stop them proved abortive as the defendants turned violent and insulted officials.

Chief Magistrate Abubakar adjourned the substantive case to August 5, 2026, for hearing. A ruling on the defendants' bail application is scheduled for July 23, 2026. The value of the damaged property is yet to be ascertained during the investigation.

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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).