Court remands two over alleged airport invasion
By Taiwo Scholarstica
A Chief Magistrate Court No. 2 in Gombe has ordered the remand of two men, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, popularly known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, in police custody over their alleged involvement in the invasion of the Gombe International Airport.
The incident reportedly occurred during the arrival of the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Bala Tinka, at the airport.
The defendants were ordered to remain in police custody on Tuesday after they pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge filed against them.
The charges include criminal trespass, disobedience to a lawful order duly promulgated by a public servant, obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of official duties, intentional insult, inciting disturbance and mischief.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar, issued the remand order following an application by the police prosecutor, Umehi Thomas.
Thomas told the court that the alleged offences were committed on July 15, 2026, at about 12pm.
He said, “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 prosecutor further alleged that, “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.”
Thomas said the offences allegedly committed by the defendants contravened Sections 79, 342, 148, 143, 399, 114 and 326 of the Penal Code Law.
Following their not-guilty plea, the prosecutor asked the court to remand the defendants while investigations into the case continued.
He argued that, “Since the defendants have pleaded not guilty and investigation is still ongoing, they should be remanded in a custodial facility.”
However, counsel to the defendants, Ayuba Rabiu, opposed the request for remand and appealed to the court to grant his clients bail.
Rabiu 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 that, “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 substantive matter until August 5, 2026, for hearing.
The court also fixed Thursday, July 23, 2026, to rule on the defendants’ bail application.