A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has restrained the Imo State Government, security agencies and the chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas from interfering with rallies, meetings and other civic activities organised by House of Representatives member Ugochinyere Imo.

Justice Kayode Agunloye issued the interim injunction following an ex parte application filed by Ugochinyere in suit FCT/HC/CV/153/2026.

The court specifically barred the defendants from destroying, dismantling, defacing or removing billboards and signages installed by the lawmaker across the Ideato North/South Federal Constituency.

They were also restrained from stopping or preventing Ugochinyere and his supporters from accessing venues for peaceful rallies, processions, campaigns, meetings and other civic activities in the constituency or elsewhere in Imo State.

The defendants in the case include the Nigeria Police Force, Inspector-General of Police, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Imo State Government, Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency, the two local government chairmen and the Commissioner of Police in Imo State.

The court further directed the defendants not to frustrate the lawmaker's political and civic activities or breach his rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and movement.

The order also prevents certain defendants from enforcing a June 15, 2026 letter seeking to restrict the number of Ugochinyere's billboards to six. The court barred them from providing security cover for anyone attempting to remove the billboards pursuant to that directive.

The judge subsequently extended the interim order after the respondents indicated that they were still within the legally permitted period to file their responses. The substantive matter was adjourned to November 4, 2026, for hearing.