The Department of State Services (DSS) filed a fresh motion against Pat Utomi on Wednesday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to stop him from holding anti-government rallies linked to the suit against him.
The DSS, represented by its attorney, Akinlolu Kehinde, requested Justice James Omotosho to prohibit Utomi and his affiliates from making additional public statements or organizing rallies connected to a proposed establishment of a “shadow government.”
Earlier, the DSS had taken legal action against Utomi, who was the African Democratic Congress’s presidential candidate in 2007, over his alleged intention to create a “shadow government” in Nigeria.
In the legal filing, designated FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the agency sought a court ruling declaring this initiative an infringement on the constitution, with the hearing scheduled for June 25.
Simultaneously, the recent application presented to the judge arose from information indicating that Utomi, who is reportedly outside the country, intends to partake in demonstrations, road shows, media interviews, and similar activities upon his return on June 6.
In the new motion submitted on Wednesday, the DSS requested a singular form of relief.
The DSS sought a court order for an interlocutory injunction to prohibit the defendant and his representatives from conducting road shows, rallies, public lectures, or any public assemblies, as well as from disseminating information through newspapers, producing television segments, creating jingles, or participating in any other public awareness initiatives.
In its application, the DSS contended that allowing Utomi’s proposed rallies, road shows, and activities would “pose a significant risk to public order, safety, and national unity of Nigeria.”
The security agency emphasized that its mandate includes safeguarding the nation’s internal security and mitigating any threats to the country and its institutional framework, thus preventing potential risks to public order, safety, and national unity.
The secret police reported that prior to initiating the principal legal action, Utomi had been participating in activities and making remarks through various public forums, including social media, which were aimed at undermining the current legal proceedings that he is aware of.
The DSS indicated that it had obtained information from surveillance and intelligence sources, suggesting that Utomi intended to organize public demonstrations and rallies disguised as expressions of free speech and association, which would foster public displeasure in pursuit of establishing a so-called shadow government/shadow cabinet.
Read also:
- DSS denies involvement in Kanu’s arrest in Kenya
- DSS under fire over arrest, detention of activist over pro- Ibrahim Traore protest
- DSS foils plot to instigate tribal unrest in Warri, arrests foreign-based Army Major, others
The secret police claimed that Utomi’s aim “is to host roadshows and rallies designed to attract a significant number of Nigerians to incite considerable disorder, disrupting public tranquility, and facilitating riots and violent demonstrations akin to the recent #EndSARS protests in 2020.
“All the anticipated demonstrations, unrest, and upheavals that may follow if the respondent/defendant’s alleged actions are not halted could lead to chaos, posing the risk of anarchy and loss of lives and property.
“The suggested partnerships, rallies, and actions by the respondent/defendant represent a grave threat to public order, safety, and national cohesion within Nigeria,” the DSS maintained.
It mentioned that on May 26, during the fourth installment of the Topaz Lecture Series organized by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association, Utomi made statements that could potentially compromise the pending case.
“The court must intervene by approving this request; otherwise, the actions of the respondent/defendant could create a situation that could undermine the court’s authority.
“It is imperative for justice, national security, and the integrity of the law that this request be granted by this esteemed court,” the DSS asserted.