DSS REQUEST COURT TO PROHIBIT UTOMI, ASSOCIATES FROM CONDUCTING RALLIES
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By Tejiri O.
The Department of State Services (DSS) has submitted a new application to the Federal High Court in Abuja against Prof. Pat Utomi, concerning his alleged intentions to organize rallies related to an ongoing lawsuit. The application, filed through attorney Akinlolu Kehinde, SAN, requests the court to prohibit Utomi and his associates from making public statements or participating in rallies regarding the proposed “shadow government” formation.
The DSS previously summoned Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), before Justice Omotosho concerning his alleged intention to create a “shadow government” in the nation.
The security agency has filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025) requesting the court to recognize recent actions as unconstitutional, with a hearing set for June 25. Additionally, a motion was submitted concerning reports that Utomi, currently abroad, plans to engage in protests and media activities upon returning on June 6. The Department of State Services (DSS) seeks an interlocutory injunction to prevent Utomi and his agents from conducting public gatherings or media broadcasts, citing potential threats to public order, safety, and national unity in Nigeria.
The agency, tasked with safeguarding Nigeria’s internal security, emphasizes its responsibility to prevent any threats to public order, safety, and national unity. It asserts that prior to filing the substantial lawsuit, Professor Utomi made public statements and utilized social media to undermine the pending case, which he was aware of.
The DSS reported that it has obtained intelligence indicating that Utomi, currently abroad and returning on June 6, intends to organize road shows and rallies under the pretext of advocating for freedom of speech and association. This activity is perceived as an attempt to incite public discontent in support of his establishment of a so-called “shadow government/shadow cabinet.”
In a supporting affidavit, the plaintiff asserted that Utomi intends to hold road shows and rallies that could incite significant public unrest, reminiscent of the “End SARS” protests in 2020. The plaintiff warned that if the defendant’s actions are not halted, they could result in chaos, loss of life, and property damage, posing a serious threat to public order and national unity in Nigeria. Additionally, the Department of State Services (DSS) referenced statements made by Utomi during the Topaz Lecture Series on May 26, suggesting they could undermine an ongoing legal suit.
In a recent statement, the Department of State Services (DSS) highlighted that Utomi is aware of an ongoing legal action and has been represented by his counsel since May 20, 2025. The DSS criticized Utomi’s comments on the establishment of a shadow government and mentioned that if the lawsuit succeeds, he and his group would adopt a new name. The DSS urged the court to intervene and grant their application to prevent Utomi’s actions from undermining the legal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of justice, national security, and the rule of law.
The lawyer representing the Department of State Services (DSS), Kehinde, SAN, recently filed an application for a temporary injunction against the defendant and his associates in relation to the formation of a ‘Shadow Government’ by Prof. Pat Utomi and his group. This legal action is part of the DSS’s mandate to maintain internal peace and prevent insurrection or treason against the democratically elected government. The application is available as a public document from the court registry and serves to inform the public and media, who are monitoring the case closely.
The application was submitted due to Utomi’s provocative statements that threaten to disrupt the peace, contrary to the expectation that parties in court maintain the status quo until a decision is reached. Our client seeks a constitutional interpretation regarding the legitimacy of any government established outside of constitutional boundaries. They are not pursuing arrests but have willingly engaged the court to ascertain the legality of the ‘Shadow Government’ or any similarly termed entities. Under its current leadership, our client is committed to the rule of law and will resort to legal channels to address any infringements on its statutory duties or personnel rights, trusting the court to deliver a definitive judgment.
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