Department of State Services (DSS) has filed an application with the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to prevent Professor Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, from holding rallies related to a lawsuit concerning his plans to establish a shadow government.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a motion submitted on Wednesday by their lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS requested the court to impose restrictions on Utomi and his associates, prohibiting them from making public statements or organizing rallies concerning the proposed shadow government.
The DSS claims that intelligence reports indicate Utomi, who is currently abroad, intends to return on June 6 to conduct roadshows and rallies under the pretext of exercising his freedom of speech and association. These activities are alleged to be aimed at inciting public discontent to further the establishment of a shadow government or cabinet.
Earlier, the DSS had initiated a lawsuit against Utomi, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, asserting that his actions are unconstitutional and amount to an attempt to usurp the authority of the current government. The case is set to be heard on June 25.
In its latest motion, the DSS expressed concerns over Utomi’s intentions to engage in protests, roadshows, and media appearances, requesting the court to issue an interlocutory injunction to restrain him, his associates, and anyone acting on his behalf from organizing public gatherings, disseminating media content, or promoting the shadow government until the main suit is resolved.
The DSS argues that if these rallies and associated activities proceed unregulated, they could pose significant risks to public order, safety, and national unity. As the agency responsible for ensuring internal security, the DSS asserts its duty to mitigate any threats to the lawful authority of Nigeria.
Supporting its claims, the DSS contended that Utomi’s proposed events could attract large crowds, potentially leading to disruptions, riots, and violent protests akin to the 2020 End SARS demonstrations. Such incidents, the DSS warns, could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and damage to property.
Additionally, the DSS referenced an event on May 26, where Utomi spoke at the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association. During his talk, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” Professor Utomi defended the concept of a shadow government, stating that if the court ruled in favor of the DSS, his group would simply adopt a different designation.
The DSS noted that Utomi had been served with the originating process in this case and had entered an appearance through his counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20, 2025.
The agency emphasized that without the court’s intervention by granting its request, Utomi’s actions might undermine the authority of the court and pose a substantial threat to national security and the rule of law. It urged the court to act in the interest of justice, national security, and public order.
