Photo caption: Former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi.
The Department of State Services has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to prevent a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Professor Pat Utomi, from proceeding with his alleged plans to hold rallies related to a suit pending before the court concerning his plans to establish a shadow government.
In a fresh application filed on Wednesday through its lawyer, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS requested the court to restrain Utomi and his associates from making public comments or engaging in rallies concerning the proposed formation of a “shadow government.”
According to the DSS, intelligence reports indicate that although Utomi is currently out of the country, he plans to return on June 6 to stage roadshows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association.
These actions, the DSS alleges, are intended to foment public discontent in furtherance of the establishment of a purported shadow government or cabinet.
Recall that the DSS earlier instituted a suit against Utomi before the court over his alleged plans to create a shadow government.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks to have the move declared unconstitutional and an attempt to usurp the authority of the current government.
Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for the hearing of the case.
However, in its latest motion, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with Utomi’s alleged plans to engage in protests, roadshows, media interviews, and other activities.
It proceeded to ask the court to issue an interlocutory injunction to restrain him, his associates, and anyone acting on his behalf from organising any public gatherings, publishing media content, or engaging in activities promoting the purported shadow government until the substantive suit is resolved.
The DSS argues that if left unchecked, the proposed rallies and related actions would pose a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.
The DSS further contended that as the agency tasked with safeguarding internal security, it is its duty to prevent any threat to the lawful authority of Nigeria.
In its supporting affidavit, the DSS claimed that Utomi’s proposed activities could draw large crowds, leading to potential disruptions of public peace, riots, and violent protests similar to the 2020 End SARS demonstrations.
It further alleged that such actions could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and damage to property.
The DSS also referenced a recent event on May 26, where Professor Utomi spoke during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association. At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” Professor Utomi reportedly defended the concept of a shadow government and stated that if the suit succeeded in favour of the DSS, his group would adopt a different name.
The DSS noted that Professor 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.
“Unless this honourable court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s actions may undermine the authority of the court and pose a serious threat to national security and the rule of law,” the DSS stated.
It also urged the court to act in the interest of justice, national security, and public order.
