The Department of State Services (DSS) has formally approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, urging the judiciary to restrain Prof. Patrick Utomi from engaging in any public activities linked to his controversial plan to establish a so-called “shadow government” in Nigeria.
In a fresh application filed before the court, the DSS highlighted growing concerns that Utomi who is reportedly abroad and expected to return on June 6, 2025—intends to mobilize protests, roadshows, media appearances, and other public engagements aimed at promoting the shadow government initiative.
These actions, the security agency warns, could exacerbate social tensions amid an ongoing legal battle challenging Utomi’s scheme.
The application seeks an interlocutory injunction preventing Utomi, his associates, or anyone acting on his behalf from organizing rallies, public lectures, media campaigns, or any form of public outreach that propagates the objectives of the shadow government until the substantive suit is resolved.
DSS’s legal counsel, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Akinlolu Kehinde, argued that allowing such activities would pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s public order, safety, and national unity.
According to the DSS, safeguarding internal security and preventing threats to the legitimate authority of the state are core statutory mandates of the agency.
The DSS further contended that Utomi has, through public statements and social media, actively undermined the ongoing court proceedings, creating grounds for urgent judicial intervention.
Intelligence reports suggest that upon his return, Utomi plans to spearhead large-scale roadshows and rallies, under the guise of freedom of speech and association, which the DSS fears could ignite public discontent akin to the 2020 “End SARS” protests.
In a supporting affidavit, the DSS detailed that these planned events have the potential to spark widespread unrest, violent protests, and mayhem, threatening lives, property, and the stability of the nation.
Highlighting recent events, the DSS noted that on May 26, during the University of Lagos’ Topaz Lecture Series themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” Utomi publicly defended his shadow government initiative.
He also indicated that if the court rules against him, he and his group would simply rebrand under a different name, further complicating enforcement.
Utomi has been officially served with court proceedings and has appeared through his legal counsel, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), since May 20, 2025, confirming his awareness of the case.
The DSS emphasized that without the court’s swift intervention, Utomi’s activities risk preempting judicial authority by creating a fait accompli, undermining the rule of law and national security.
In closing, the DSS urged the court to grant the injunction to preserve public order, uphold justice, and maintain Nigeria’s constitutional governance.
