DSS Moves to Block Pat Utomi’s Alleged Shadow Government

By Oluwakemi kindness

The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to stop the former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Professor Pat Utomi, from holding rallies or making public statements linked to his alleged plans to establish a shadow government.

In a fresh motion filed on Wednesday through its legal representative, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS asked the court to issue an order restraining Utomi and his associates from organizing public events or releasing media content related to the proposed shadow cabinet.

The agency said this is necessary to maintain public order and prevent actions it believes could destabilize the country.

The DSS claimed to have intelligence indicating that although Utomi is currently outside Nigeria, he intends to return on June 6 to spearhead rallies and roadshows under the guise of exercising freedom of speech and association.

The agency alleged that these planned activities are designed to incite public unrest and promote the establishment of a parallel government.

This development comes amid an ongoing legal battle between the DSS and Utomi.

The DSS had earlier filed a suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeking a court declaration that Utomi’s shadow government initiative is unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to usurp the powers of the legally recognized government.

Justice James Omotosho has scheduled June 25 for the hearing of the substantive case.

In the new motion, the DSS expressed concern over Utomi’s alleged plans to engage in protests, media engagements, and other public events, warning that such activities could trigger widespread unrest and pose a serious threat to national unity.

The agency is seeking an interlocutory injunction to halt all such actions until the court gives a final ruling on the matter.

The DSS further stated in a sworn affidavit that the rallies could attract large crowds and potentially lead to riots, civil disobedience, or violent protests similar to those seen during the 2020 End SARS movement.

It warned that such unrest could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and damage to public and private property.

The agency also cited remarks made by Professor Utomi at a recent public lecture on May 26, during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series organized by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association.

At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity?”, Utomi reportedly defended the idea of a shadow government and suggested that even if the court ruled against him, his group would simply continue under a different name.

The DSS maintains that as the agency responsible for internal security, it must act to prevent any threat to Nigeria’s lawful authority and ensure that peace and stability are not compromised.

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