The Department of State Services (DSS), also known as the State Security Service (SSS), has filed a fresh application before the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to restrain former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prof. Pat Utomi, from engaging in public activities relating to his proposed “shadow government” initiative.
The application, filed on Wednesday, comes amidst reports that Utomi—currently outside the country—is planning to return to Nigeria on June 6 to embark on a series of protests, road shows, media engagements, and public sensitization efforts in support of the shadow government concept.
According to the SSS, these actions pose a significant threat to public safety and national unity and could trigger widespread unrest similar to the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
Led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, the SSS is requesting “an order of interlocutory injunction” to bar Utomi and his associates from holding public rallies, lectures, interviews, and any form of campaign aimed at promoting the shadow cabinet or its objectives. The application urges the court to act pending the determination of the substantive suit filed against Utomi—Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025.
In a supporting affidavit, the SSS stated that intelligence reports suggest Utomi’s activities are designed to instigate public discontent and undermine the authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the guise of exercising freedom of speech and association.
“The planned protests and road shows are capable of drawing large crowds and disrupting public order,” the SSS noted. “The potential for riots, destruction of property, and loss of life is real if these activities are not restrained.”
The security agency emphasized its constitutional mandate to preserve internal peace and prevent actions that could destabilize the nation, adding that Utomi has continued to make inflammatory statements despite being fully aware of the pending court action.
The agency cited a recent event—the May 26 Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the UNILAG Mass Communication Class of 1988—where Utomi openly defended the shadow government initiative. He also reportedly indicated that if the court rules against the initiative, he and his team would simply adopt a new name for the movement.
The SSS revealed that Utomi was served the court’s originating processes on May 20 through his counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), yet has continued with public commentary on the matter in what the agency described as an attempt to “foist a fait accompli on the court.”
Speaking after filing the application, SSS counsel Kehinde stated, “This request is simply to preserve national peace and allow the court to determine the constitutional legality of the shadow government idea. The SSS believes in the rule of law and has no intention of arresting anyone while this matter is before the court.”
Kehinde further emphasized that the legal action is not about silencing Utomi but about protecting Nigeria’s democratic institutions. “Our client has shown restraint and confidence in the judiciary by seeking the court’s interpretation on whether any form of parallel government can lawfully exist in Nigeria, under any name.”
The SSS urged the court to act swiftly in the interest of justice, national security, and the stability of the country. The case is expected to generate widespread public and legal interest as it touches on constitutional interpretation, civil liberties, and national security.
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