Blacks Law Dictionary 6th Edition at page 814 defines “Interim” to mean “In the meantime, meanwhile; temporary; between.” By their very nature, injunctions granted on Ex-parte applications can only be properly interim in nature. They are made without notice to the other side, to keep matters in Status quo to a named date, usually not more than a few days, or until the Respondent can be put on notice. The rational for an order made on such an application is that delay to be caused by proceeding in the ordinary way by putting the Other Side on notice would or might cause irretrievable or serious mischief. Such injunctions are for cases of real urgency, with emphasis on ‘real.’ See KOTOYE v. CBN (1989) 1 NWLR (PT.98) 419. An injunction is a serious matter and must be treated seriously. See UNIBEZ (NIG) LTD v. CBCL LTD (2003) 6 NWLR (Pt.816) 402. It is a preservatory measure taken at an early stage in the proceedings. See AL CATEL KABEMETAL (NIG) PLC v. OJUEGBELE (2003) 2 NWLR (Pt. 805) 429.
— U.M. Abba Aji JSC. Agbomagbo & Anor. V. Oloku Okpogo & Ors. (CA/B/147/2000, 5 May 2005)