Court bars Imo, police from disrupting lawmaker’s rally

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has granted an interim injunction restraining the Imo State Government, security agencies, and local government chairmen from interfering with the rallies and civic activities of Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the House of Representatives for Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.

The order, issued by Justice Kayode Agunloye on July 20, 2026, followed an ex parte application filed by Ugochinyere. It specifically bars the defendants, which include the Imo State Governor, the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, and others, from destroying, dismantling, or ordering the removal of billboards and signages erected by the lawmaker in Ideato North and South constituencies.

Furthermore, the court prohibited the defendants, their agents, or anyone acting on their behalf from stopping, barring, or denying Ugochinyere and his supporters access to venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, meetings, and other civic activities within the constituency or elsewhere in Imo State. This injunction is in effect pending the determination of a motion on notice.

Justice Agunloye emphasized that the defendants must not engage in any conduct that could frustrate Ugochinyere’s political and civic engagements. The court order explicitly protects the lawmaker's rights to expression, peaceful assembly, and movement, including his right to erect signages and billboards for various purposes such as showcasing government projects, mobilizing constituents, and disseminating public information. The ruling also addresses a prior letter dated June 15, 2026.