A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an interim order restraining the Imo State Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies from interfering with the civic and political activities of the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.
Justice K. Agunloye granted the order following an ex parte application filed in suit number FCT/HC/CV/153/2026.
The defendants in the suit include the Inspector-General of Police, the State Security Service (SSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Governor of Imo State, the Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), the chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, and the state Director of the SSS.
In the ruling, the court restrained the defendants, their agents and privies from preventing Ugochinyere and his supporters from conducting peaceful rallies, processions, meetings, campaigns and other lawful civic and political activities within his constituency and across Imo State.
The court also prohibited the defendants from destroying, dismantling, removing or defacing billboards, signages and other publicity materials erected by the lawmaker, as well as providing security cover for such actions.
Justice Agunloye further directed that Ugochinyere’s constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and movement should not be infringed upon. The order covers activities relating to constituency project publicity, civic engagement, constituent mobilisation and public awareness campaigns.
The suit followed allegations of attempts to disrupt venues associated with the lawmaker and his supporters, including meetings and rallies reportedly organised by the Action Peoples Party (APP).
Meanwhile, the court dismissed a preliminary objection filed by the Imo State Government seeking to vacate the injunction, allowing the protective orders to remain in place pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The case was adjourned until November 4, 2026, for further hearing.
Ugochinyere has maintained that his engagements across the constituency are lawful activities carried out in the discharge of his responsibilities as a member of the House of Representatives and as part of his interaction with constituents.
The interim orders will remain in force pending the court’s final decision in the matter.
