A Chief Magistrate Court No. 2 sitting in Gombe on Tuesday ordered that two defendants, Muhammad-Sunusi Abdullahi, also known as Ataka, and Ahmed-Daudu Dinawa, also known as Jadda, be remanded in police custody over their alleged involvement in the invasion of the Gombe International Airport during the arrival of the African Democratic Congress governorship candidate, Bala Tinka.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar, remanded the defendants after they pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge bordering on 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 police prosecutor, Umehi Thomas, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offences 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.”

He 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.”

The prosecutor said the alleged offences are contrary to Sections 79, 342, 148, 143, 399, 114 and 326 of the Penal Code Law.

Following the defendants’ plea of not guilty, Thomas urged the court to remand them pending the conclusion of investigations.

He argued that, “Since the defendants have pleaded not guilty and investigation is still ongoing, they should be remanded in a custodial facility.”

Counsel for the defendants, Ayuba Rabiu, opposed the application for remand and instead urged the court to admit his clients to 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 informed the court that, “The defendants have already been in police custody for five days since July 16, 2026.”

After listening to both parties, Chief Magistrate Abubakar adjourned the substantive case until August 5, 2026, for hearing.

The court also fixed Thursday, July 23, 2026, for ruling on the defendants’ bail application. (The PUNCH)

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