ABUJA — A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Abuja has barred the Imo State Government, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), and several security agencies from dismantling, removing, or vandalizing political and civic billboards installed by Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere across the Ideato North and South Federal Constituency.

The court, presided over by Hon. Justice Kayode Agunloye, also issued an injunction restraining state authorities, security agencies, and local government chairmen from sealing off, blocking, or disrupting political rallies, town halls, campaigns, and civic gatherings organized by the federal lawmaker or his supporters.

The legal action stems from Motion No: M/481/2026 in Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/153/2026, instituted by Rt. Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu—the member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives—against eleven respondents.

Key Respondents Named in the Suit

The defendants listed in the judicial process include:

• The Nigeria Police Force & Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
• The Governor of Imo State & Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA)
• State Security Service (SSS/DSS) & Director, SSS Imo State Command
• Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) & Imo State Command
• The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command
• Chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas

Details of the Court Injunctions

Protection of Signage and Infrastructure

In the ruling, Justice Agunloye explicitly restrained the defendants, their agents, staff, or any personnel acting under their direction from destroying, defacing, cutting down, or demolishing billboards and signage erected by the lawmaker across Imo State.

Furthermore, the court specifically stopped the Imo State Government and IMSAA from giving effect to or enforcing a letter dated June 15, 2026, which purportedly sought to limit or restrict Ugochinyere’s billboards to six (6) within his constituency. Security agencies were restrained from providing security cover for any illegal removal or destruction of such structures.

Excerpt from the Court Order: “The Defendants, whether by themselves, agents, officers, staff or howsoever described, are hereby restrained from destroying, dismantling, defacing, cutting down or ordering for the removal and/or demolition of the signage or billboards installed by the Claimant across Ideato North and South Federal constituency of Imo State or any other part of Imo State…”

Safeguarding Rights to Peaceful Assembly and Movement

Addressing repeated reports of political interference, the court restrained the state government, local council chairmen, police, and vigilante groups from denying Ugochinyere or his supporters access to venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, or civic programs.

The ruling affirmed that the lawmaker retains his fundamental constitutional rights to:

• Assemble freely and hold political meetings, including gatherings of political associates and supporters.
• Erect lawful billboards to showcase federal projects attracted to his constituency.
• Disseminate civic and security awareness messages to his constituents without illegal restriction.

Extension of Interim Protection and Adjournment

During court proceedings on July 28, 2026, the court extended the interim protective order to cover the annual court vacation period. Justice Agunloye noted that because the respondents were still within time to file their responses to the originating processes, the interim injunction must remain active to maintain status quo and preserve the subject matter of the suit.

The court subsequently adjourned the substantive matter to November 4, 2026, for a full hearing on the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

Speaking following the development, legal representatives to the lawmaker urged all government bodies, state officials, and security formations in Imo State to strictly obey the subsisting court order to prevent contempt proceedings and ensure law and order within the state.

Ikenga Ugochinyere Addresses Media on Political Developments

This video is relevant as it provides direct context on Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere’s public statements regarding political engagements and ongoing disputes in Imo State.