COURT RESTRAINS IMO, POLICE FROM DISRUPTING REP’S RALLIES
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By:Tajudeen Aminat
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has restrained the Imo State Government, security agencies and the chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas from interfering with rallies, meetings and other civic activities organised by the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Imo Ugochinyere.
Justice Kayode Agunloye issued the interim order on July 20, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by Ugochinyere in suit No. FCT/HC/CV/153/2026.
The court barred the defendants, their agents and representatives from destroying, removing or interfering with billboards and signages installed by the lawmaker across the two local government areas.
The judge also restrained the defendants from stopping, restricting or denying Ugochinyere and his supporters access to venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, meetings and other civic activities in Ideato Federal Constituency and other parts of Imo State.
The defendants in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, State Security Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Imo State Governor, Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, the chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South LGAs, as well as the heads of the security agencies in Imo State.
In granting the application, Justice Agunloye said he considered the affidavit filed in support of the application, accompanying exhibits and an affidavit of extreme urgency before issuing the order.
The court further directed the defendants not to engage in any action capable of frustrating the lawmaker’s political and civic activities pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The order also protected what the court described as Ugochinyere’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and movement, including his right to erect billboards and signages for purposes connected to his constituency activities.
The court specifically restrained certain defendants from enforcing a June 15, 2026 letter seeking to limit the number of the lawmaker’s billboards to six.
The judge also ordered an accelerated hearing of the substantive suit and directed that the relevant court processes be served on the defendants through specified channels.
Following a subsequent hearing, the court extended the interim order after noting that the respondents were still within the period allowed by law to file their responses.
Justice Agunloye further adjourned the case to November 4, 2026, for hearing.
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