DSS Moves to Block Pat Utomi’s Shadow Government Rallies Cites Threat to National Security
The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a fresh legal bid at the Federal High Court in Abuja to restrain Professor Pat Utomi from launching rallies and public events in support of his proposed “shadow government.” In a motion filed on Wednesday, the DSS described Utomi’s actions as a threat to national security and accused him of trying to destabilise the country under the guise of free speech and democratic expression. According to intelligence cited in the application, Utomi—currently outside Nigeria—is planning to return on June 6 to hold roadshows and media engagements promoting the shadow cabinet idea. The DSS warned that such activities are capable of inciting public unrest and undermining the authority of the legitimate government. It urged the court to grant an interlocutory injunction to stop Utomi and his associates from holding any rallies, media events, or public discourse related to the controversial plan until the pending suit is determined. The DSS is seeking a legal declaration that Utomi’s shadow government initiative, which it deems unconstitutional, poses a significant threat to public peace. In its affidavit, the agency likened Utomi’s mobilization efforts to the events that triggered the 2020 End SARS protests, warning that a similar scenario could erupt if not urgently contained. The security agency insisted that it is acting within its constitutional duty to preserve internal stability and protect Nigeria from potential chaos. The controversy stems from a pending case—FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025—already filed by the DSS, which argues that Utomi’s shadow cabinet plan amounts to an attempted usurpation of governmental authority. The agency highlighted a May 26 lecture in which Utomi defended the legitimacy of a shadow government, suggesting that his group would merely rename the initiative if barred by the court. Justice James Omotosho has fixed June 25 for hearing the substantive case.