Imo State Government: No Disruption to Rep Ugochinyere's Rallies

• A Federal Capital Territory High Court has restrained the Imo State Government from disrupting Rep. Ugochinyere's rallies.
• The court ordered that defendants must not engage in conduct capable of frustrating Ugochinyere's political and civic activities.
• The order includes restraining defendants from stopping or removing billboards installed by the lawmaker across Ideato North and South Federal Constituencies.
• The court also restrained defendants from providing security cover for anyone seeking to destroy or remove the billboards.

The court specifically ordered that the defendants must not engage in conduct capable of frustrating Ugochinyere's political and civic activities pending the determination of the motion on notice.

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order against the Imo State Government, security agencies, and local government chairmen from interfering with the rallies, meetings, and other civic activities of Rep. Ugochinyere. The order was granted on July 20, 2026, following an ex parte application filed by Ugochinyere in suit number FCT/HC/CV/153/2026 and Motion No. M/481/2026. The court restrained the defendants from destroying or removing billboards installed by the lawmaker across Ideato North and South Federal Constituencies of Imo State, as well as stopping or preventing him and his supporters from using venues for peaceful rallies and meetings within Ideato Federal Constituency or elsewhere in Imo State.

The order was issued by Justice Kayode Agunloye, who considered the affidavit in support of the application, exhibits, and affidavit of extreme urgency sworn to by Anderson Achike. The judge also listened to counsel for the applicant, Ibukunoluwa Thompson, before granting the application. The court specifically ordered that the defendants must not engage in conduct capable of frustrating Ugochinyere's political and civic activities pending the determination of the motion on notice. This includes restraining the defendants from stopping the continued or further reinstallation of billboards by the lawmaker or preventing him and his supporters from conducting any civic activities, peaceful rally, procession, program, campaign, meetings, or event in venues within Ideato Federal Constituency or Imo State.

The order has significant implications for lawyers representing clients with interests in Imo State. They should be aware of the potential for disruptions to civic activities and political rallies, and advise their clients accordingly. Additionally, they may need to review any existing agreements or permits related to signage and advertising in the area. The order also highlights the importance of protecting the rights of lawmakers and citizens to expression, peaceful assembly, and movement.

Lawyers representing clients with interests in Imo State should be aware of the potential for disruptions to civic activities and political rallies, and advise their clients accordingly. They may also need to review any existing agreements or permits related to signage and advertising in the area.

Source: Original reporting via {Source}