The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain Professor Pat Utomi from holding public rallies or have media engagements in respect to his proposed shadow government.
The DSS clarified that it’s not against Utomi holding rallies but rather against rallying for a shadow government in particular, the subject of a pending case against him.
This request is contained in a fresh application filed before the court by the DSS following reports that the former presidential candidate, currently abroad, has planned protests, road shows, media interviews and related activities upon his return on June 6.Grounds for the application, according to the DSS’ legal team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), includes that, if not restrained, Utomi’s proposed rallies, would “constitute a serious threat to public order, safety and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The DSS added that since it is empowered to safeguard the internal security of the country and prevent potential threats to the lawful authority, it will do so in the national interest. It however clarifies that it is not out on a political witch-hunt.The security agency stated that before it filed the substantive suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025 Utomi had, through public statements, social media and other platforms put out statements aimed at undermining the outcome of the case still pending before the court.
The plaintiff added that Utomi’s proposed rallies are capable of drawing a large number of Nigerians, an action with the potential to snowball into a much bigger protest that could turn violent.
This, it says, could threaten public peace and order like the End SARS protests of 2020.The DSS stated that on May 26, during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity”, hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association, Utomi made statements, capable of undermining the pending suit.It added that in the statements, widely publicized by various national newspapers and on social media platforms, Utomi defended the creation of the purported shadow government and further stated that if the suit succeeds in favour of the DSS, himself and his group shall adopt a different name. The DSS added that Utomi “has been served with the originating process in this suit and has entered appearance vide his Counsel Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) since 20 May, 2025.
“The defendant/respondent (Utomi) is aware of the pendency of this action before this Honourable Court as he has been served with the originating process in this suit by courier as ordered by this honourable court. ”Unless this honourable court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s acts may foist a fait accompli on the court. ”It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to grant this application,” the DSS said.
Godfrey Eshiemoghie
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