Court stops Imo, police from disrupting Rep’s rallies

Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has issued an interim injunction restraining the Imo State Government, various security agencies, and local government chairmen from interfering with the political activities of Imo State's House of Representatives member, Imo Ugochinyere. The ruling, delivered on 20 July 2026, follows an ex parte application filed by Ugochinyere through his legal representative, Chibuzor Ezike, under suit number FCT/HC/CV/153/2026. The court order prohibits the defendants, comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, State Security Service (SSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, and local government chairmen, from destroying, dismantling, defacing, or ordering the removal of billboards and signages installed by Ugochinyere across Ideato North and South Federal Constituencies. The injunction also bars them from stopping or preventing the claimant and his supporters from accessing venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, meetings, and other civic activities within Ideato Federal Constituency or anywhere else in Imo State. Ugochinyere, a member of the opposition Action Peoples Party, represents the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly. His legal team alleges that the Imo State Government issued a directive on 15 June 2026 limiting the number of billboards he could install to six ahead of the 2027 general elections. This directive reportedly prompted the lawsuit, which names 11 defendants, including key officials and security agencies. The court’s order explicitly restrains the defendants from enforcing or implementing the June 15 letter, which sought to restrict the number of billboards. It also prevents them from providing security cover for individuals attempting to dismantle the billboards. The judge emphasized that the lawmaker’s “inalienable rights to expression, peaceful assembly and movement” must be upheld, allowing him to erect or install signage for various purposes, including publicizing government initiatives, mobilizing constituents, and spreading awareness. The court has directed that the substantive suit be heard expeditiously, with all necessary court processes served on the relevant defendants through designated offices, including the Attorney-General of Imo State, the Nigeria Police Force Legal Department, the SSS headquarters, and the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja. The case was initially set for hearing on 28 July 2026, during which the court acknowledged that the defendants were still within the legal timeframe to respond to the suit and thus deserved to be heard. On 28 July, the court maintained its stance, affirming that the defendants were entitled to defend themselves against the allegations. However, Ugochinyere’s legal team pressed for an extension of the interim order, citing ongoing threats to his ability to conduct political activities. The court adjourned the matter for further proceedings, leaving the fate of the injunction uncertain. The ruling underscores the tension between political campaigning and administrative control, particularly in the lead-up to national elections. It highlights the judiciary’s role in safeguarding civil liberties, even amid political disputes. As the case moves forward, the outcome will likely influence how political figures navigate regulatory constraints while exercising their constitutional rights. The court’s decision sets a precedent for future cases involving similar conflicts between elected representatives and state authorities.