The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to restrain Professor Pat Utomi—a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—from staging public rallies and making media comments in connection with his alleged plans to establish a shadow government.

 

In a fresh application filed on Wednesday by its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS urged the court to issue an interlocutory injunction preventing Utomi and his associates from organizing any public events, publishing materials, or making statements promoting the proposed formation of what the agency calls a “shadow government.”

 

According to the DSS, intelligence reports indicate that although Professor Utomi is currently outside the country, he intends to return on June 6, 2025, to hold roadshows and rallies under the pretext of exercising his constitutional rights to freedom of speech and association.

 

The security agency alleges that these planned activities are designed to incite public unrest and undermine the authority of the sitting government by promoting an alternative power structure.

 

The move comes amid an ongoing legal suit filed by the DSS against Utomi, challenging the legality and constitutionality of his purported shadow government plans. The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, is scheduled for hearing on June 25 before Justice James Omotosho.

 

In its latest motion, the DSS expressed concern that Utomi’s planned rallies, interviews, and roadshows could escalate into unrest, drawing parallels with the #EndSARS protests of 2020. It argued that such activities, if left unchecked, could threaten public order, national unity, and the rule of law.

 

The agency further stated that, as Nigeria’s principal domestic intelligence service, it has a constitutional duty to safeguard internal security and prevent any action that could destabilize the country.

 

The DSS also referenced Utomi’s remarks at a public lecture on May 26, where he defended the shadow government concept. Speaking at the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series, hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association, Utomi reportedly declared that if the court ruled against his current initiative, he and his group would continue under a different name.

 

The DSS noted that Professor Utomi had already been served the originating court documents and had responded through his legal counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20.

 

“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 in its affidavit.

 

The agency urged the court to act swiftly in the interest of justice and national stability.