Court stops Imo, police from disrupting Rep’s rallies

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Imo State Government and various security agencies from interfering with the political and civic activities of Imo Ugochinyere, the federal lawmaker representing Ideato North/South Constituency. The order, dated July 20, 2026, specifically prohibits officials and their agents from disrupting rallies, meetings, and other public engagements.

The court's directive, granted following an ex parte application by Ugochinyere, also prevents the defendants from destroying, dismantling, or removing billboards and signage installed by the lawmaker within his constituency. Furthermore, it bars them from preventing Ugochinyere and his supporters from accessing venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, and meetings anywhere in Imo State.

The defendants named in the suit include the Nigeria Police Force, the State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Imo State Governor, and local government chairmen. The court emphasized that the defendants must not engage in any conduct that could frustrate the lawmaker's political and civic activities pending the determination of a motion on notice. This includes preventing the reinstallation of billboards and ensuring the lawmaker's rights to expression, peaceful assembly, and movement are upheld.