By Yunusa Isa, Gombe A magistrate court in Pantami has granted bail to two African Democratic Congress (ADC) stalwarts, Hon. Sanusi Abdullahi Ataka and Ahmad Daudu Dinawa, popularly known as Jadda. The defendants were arraigned by the authorities of Maimalari International Airport, Lawanti, over the alleged destruction of public property during a grand reception organized last week for the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Dr. Bala Bello Tinka. Speaking to journalists shortly after Magistrate Aliyu Abubakar granted the bail application, defense counsel Barrister Ayuba Rabiu welcomed the development, stating that “the law has taken its course.” “The law presumes that every citizen is innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law,” Rabiu said, adding that every Nigerian has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the liberty to support any candidate of their choice. He advised his clients to continue exercising these fundamental rights as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution. Reacting to the development, ADC State Publicity Secretary Abdulrahman Buba Zaune questioned why state authorities took a special interest in the matter. “Others do welcome their loved ones up to where planes are stationed, but the case appears different with the ADC,” he lamented, arguing that the law must be universal rather than selective. Zaune warned that any further unlawful arrests of party members would be viewed as a direct attack, declaring, “We shall never tolerate this.” He assured the public that the ADC will continue to push for justice and equality before the law to ensure the ruling APC is “sent packing come 2027.” The defendants also received solidarity from the Gombe North PDP candidate for the State House of Assembly, Hon. Sadeeq Giɗaɗo Bargan Gombe, who strongly criticized what he termed as “tyranny, injustice, and political dictatorship in the state.” “Arrests of the opposition can never deter us from fighting for justice,” Barga stated, calling on all opposition parties to unite to secure a just, peaceful, and inclusive Gombe State. Following the proceedings, a mammoth crowd of supporters and well-wishers gathered at the court premises to celebrate the release, greeting the defendants with songs, dances, and messages of encouragement.
