A Chief Magistrate Court No. 2 sitting in Gombe has ordered the continued detention of two suspects, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, popularly known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, over their alleged involvement in the invasion of the Gombe International Airport during the arrival of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Dr. Bala Bello Tinka.
The presiding Chief Magistrate, Aliyu Abubakar, issued the remand order after the defendants pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge brought against them by the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the police prosecutor, Umehi Thomas, the alleged offences were committed on July 15, 2026, at about 12:00 noon when the suspects, alongside others still at large, allegedly forced their way into the airport during the reception of Dr. Bala Bello Tinka.
The prosecution told the court that the suspects allegedly damaged the security lock at the airport’s VIP Executive Gate before entering the restricted area without authorization, despite efforts by security personnel and airport officials to stop them.
The police further alleged that the defendants acted violently, obstructed public officers from carrying out their lawful duties, insulted security personnel, and caused damage to government property, adding that the value of the damaged property would be determined during the ongoing investigation.
The prosecution said the charges, including unlawful entry, disobedience to lawful orders, obstruction of public officers, intentional insult, causing public disturbance, and malicious damage, were filed under Sections 79, 342, 148, 143, 399, 114, and 326 of the Penal Code.
Counsel to the defendants, Ayuba Rabiu, opposed the prosecution’s request for continued detention and urged the court to grant his clients bail, arguing that the Gombe State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2020 and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) empower the court to admit them to bail.
He also informed the court that the suspects had been in police custody since July 16, 2026.After hearing both parties, Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar adjourned the case until August 5, 2026, for further hearing, while fixing July 23, 2026, to rule on the defendants’ bail application.
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