DSS Asks Court To Stop Pat Utomi From Promoting ‘Shadow Government’

DSS Asks Court To Stop Pat Utomi From Promoting ‘Shadow Government’.
Says his actions could spark unrest, similar to #EndSARS protests.
DSS insists it’s acting within its constitutional mandate, not arresting.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking an order to restrain Professor Pat Utomi, former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), from making further public statements or staging any rallies linked to his proposed shadow government.

EDITOR’S PICKS

EKO HOT BLOG reports that in a fresh application filed on Wednesday, the DSS raised serious concerns over national security, warning that Utomi’s planned public engagements upon his return to Nigeria on June 6 could pose a threat to public peace, national unity, and lawful authority.

The security agency is seeking an interlocutory injunction barring Utomi, his agents, or associates from organising roadshows, rallies, media appearances, or publications until the substantive suit, already filed in court, is determined.

“Unless this Honourable Court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s acts may foist a fait accompli on the court,” the DSS stated in its affidavit.

Lead counsel for the DSS, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), said intelligence reports indicated that Utomi had concluded plans to return and commence civic mobilisation efforts in support of what the agency describes as a controversial and potentially disruptive shadow government.

“If not restrained, Utomi’s planned activities constitute a serious threat to the public order, safety, and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Kehinde added.

The DSS emphasized its responsibility to act against threats to internal security and noted that Utomi had already been served court documents and had appeared in court through his lawyer, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20.

The substantive suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks to bar Utomi from pursuing any action that could incite unrest or destabilize the country.

The agency warned that Utomi’s mobilisation campaign was likely disguised under civic engagement and free speech but had the potential to trigger protests akin to the #EndSARS movement.

The DSS also referenced Utomi’s May 26 comments at the University of Lagos during the Topaz Lecture Series, where he reportedly reaffirmed support for the shadow government initiative and said he could rename the movement if restrained by court.

Speaking to journalists, Kehinde stressed that the DSS’s approach was based on upholding the rule of law. “Our client is not out to arrest anyone. We have submitted this matter for judicial interpretation of the Constitution regarding whether any form of government, by whatever name, can exist outside the Constitution,” he said.

He further stated, “This is not about suppression. It is about constitutional order and national stability. The DSS is a law-abiding body committed to peace and democracy.”