Ikenga Imo-Ugochinyere Gets Court Protection Over Billboard Destruction in Imo State

An Abuja High Court has issued an interim order restraining the Imo State Government, the police, and several security agencies from destroying, defacing, or removing billboards installed by federal lawmaker Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere.

The order protects billboards erected across the Ideato North and Ideato South Federal Constituency by Ugochinyere, who represents the area in the House of Representatives.

Presiding Judge Justice Kayode Agunloye, extended the restraining order following an application by the lawmaker to preserve the injunction during the court’s vacation period.

The protective order is to remain active until the substantive lawsuit is heard.

The legal battle targets a wide range of state actors. The respondents barred by the court order include the Governor of Imo State and the Chairmen of Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas.

Also restrained are the Imo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Imo State Commissioner of Police, the Director of the State Security Service (DSS) in Imo, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Legal Grounds and Next Hearing

Justice Agunloye ruled that the temporary injunction covers all agents, officers, and staff acting on behalf of the listed respondents. The court invoked its inherent jurisdiction alongside the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the FCT High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2025 to grant the extension.

The court has adjourned the matter until November 4, 2026, for a full hearing on the substantive application.