The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a fresh application before the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking to restrain Professor Patrick Utomi from making further public statements or organizing events linked to his proposed establishment of a shadow government in Nigeria.
In the motion, the DSS requested an interlocutory injunction to stop Utomi—currently said to be abroad—from engaging in protests, media engagements, or rallies upon his return to the country on June 6, 2025.
The application specifically seeks to prohibit Utomi, his agents, associates, or anyone acting on his behalf, from organizing “road shows, rallies, public lectures or any form of public gathering, newspaper publications, television programs, jingles or any other public enlightenment programme(s) aimed at sensitizing, instigating, propagating or in any way promoting the purported ‘shadow government/shadow cabinet’ or its objectives or goals… pending the hearing and determination of this substantive suit.”
According to the DSS, the planned activities pose a threat to national security and public stability. Represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS argued that Utomi’s intended actions “would constitute a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The agency emphasized its constitutional mandate to safeguard Nigeria’s internal security and prevent threats to lawful authority and public peace. It expressed concern that Utomi, despite being aware of a pending court case on the matter, has continued to make public statements and plan activities that could prejudice judicial proceedings.
“Utomi has, through public statements, social media, and other platforms, engaged in actions aimed at undermining the outcome of the case now pending before the court, and which he is aware of,” the DSS stated.
Citing intelligence and surveillance reports, the DSS claimed Utomi intends to organize road shows and rallies under the guise of exercising his freedom of speech and association to “cause public discontent in furtherance of his establishment of the purported ‘shadow government/shadow cabinet.’”
In a supporting affidavit, the DSS warned that these planned activities could attract large gatherings and potentially result in a breakdown of law and order, similar to the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
“All the planned protests, riots and agitations that will ensue, if the purported actions of the defendant/respondent are not stayed, may lead to mayhem with a potential for anarchy, loss of lives and property,” the affidavit reads.
The agency also pointed to comments Utomi made during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series, held on May 26 and themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity?”, hosted by the University of Lagos (UNILAG) Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association.
According to the DSS, Utomi’s remarks during the event were widely publicized and further promoted the idea of a shadow government, despite the pending litigation.
“In those statements, Utomi defended the creation of the purported shadow government and stated that if the suit succeeds in favour of the DSS, he and his group shall adopt a different name,” the agency noted.
The DSS confirmed that Utomi has been served the originating processes in the case and has entered an appearance through his counsel, Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), since May 20, 2025.
The agency warned that allowing Utomi to proceed with his planned activities could compromise the judicial process.
“Unless this Honourable Court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s acts may foist a fait accompli on the court,” the DSS argued, stressing that the injunction is necessary in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law.
