By Kelechi Ugo
There was tension in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Monday, October 26, 2026, following allegations that the Imo Signage and Advertisement Agency (IMSAA) had failed to comply with a High Court order directing the immediate release of a vehicle belonging to Mr. Henry Chinagorom Ibeh, who does business under the name A.G. Global Nigeria Limited.
The vehicle, with registration number Lagos JJJ 35 YM, was reportedly impounded by IMSAA and has remained in its custody despite an order issued by the High Court sitting in Owerri on September 16, 2026, directing its release.
The development reportedly attracted the attention of some youths who were seen at the IMSAA office along Okigwe Road on Monday, where they expressed concern over what they described as the continued detention of the vehicle despite the court directive.
The youths alleged that incidents of this nature could discourage investors and business owners from operating in the State, particularly where disputes involving regulatory agencies arise.
A certified true copy of the court order made available to journalists showed that the matter is between Mr. Henry Chinagorom Ibeh, doing business as A.G. Global Nigeria Limited, as plaintiff/applicant, and IMSAA, its Manager, Hon. Chibuzor Umunnakwe, the Attorney-General of Imo State and the Governor of Imo State as defendants.
According to the court order, the plaintiff had filed a motion ex parte on September 15, 2026, seeking, among other reliefs, an order treating the application as one of extreme urgency and an order directing the immediate release of the vehicle and the goods contained therein.
After hearing the submission of Counsel to the plaintiff/applicant, P.A. Onwukaike, Esq., the court ordered the defendants to release the vehicle forthwith.
The relevant portion of the order states:
“The Defendants are hereby ordered to release forthwith Plaintiff/Applicant’s vehicle with Registration Number: Lagos JJJ 35 YM with the goods contained therein.”
The court further fixed September 23, 2026, as the return date for a report of compliance.
However, weeks after the order was reportedly made, the vehicle was said to still be in IMSAA’s custody, prompting questions over the agency’s compliance with the directive.
Investigation further revealed that IMSAA authorities were reportedly maintaining that the vehicle was connected to their debtor identified as Unilever.
However, documents and other pieces of evidence relating to the ownership of the vehicle were said to have been presented by A.G. Global Nigeria Limited in support of its claim to the vehicle.
It was also gathered that Mr. Ibeh had earlier paid the necessary signage and advertisement fees covering the 2026 period.
Copies of documents said to be evidence of payment were made available to journalists.
However,one of the youths queried the possibility of Mr. Henry Chinagorom Ibeh paying for the “sin” allegedly committed by Unilever. “It is not possible. Seeing Unilever ‘s sticker pasted on individual’s vehicle has nothing to do with the ownership”,he submitted.
Another concern raised by persons familiar with the matter was that the vehicle was conveying perishable goods at the time it was impounded, raising concerns about possible losses arising from prolonged detention.
The continued detention of the vehicle has therefore generated questions among observers over the circumstances surrounding the dispute and the alleged non-compliance with the court’s directive.
When contacted, a staff member of IMSAA, who declined to have his name published,told journalists that the agency could only release the vehicle after obtaining approval from the Imo State Government.
The statement, has further raised questions over the relationship between the court’s directive and any administrative approval being awaited by the agency.
As of press time, the parties remained at odds over the vehicle, while attention has shifted to whether the court order would be complied with and how the underlying dispute would ultimately be resolved.
The matter has also renewed calls for government agencies to ensure that regulatory enforcement is carried out within the framework of the law and in a manner that protects legitimate businesses and promotes investor confidence in Imo State.
