DSS Asks Court To Stop Patrick Utomi From Holding Rallies And Public Gatherings

The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a fresh request at the Federal High Court in Abuja, asking for an order to stop Professor Patrick Utomi from holding rallies or making public statements tied to a case already before the court.

The case concerns Patrick Utomi’s proposed plan to form a shadow government in Nigeria.

In the new application, the DSS said it had picked up reports that Utomi, who is currently outside the country, intends to carry out protests, media appearances, and other public events after returning to Nigeria on June 6.

The agency is asking the court to issue an interim order stopping Utomi and anyone working with him from organizing rallies, road shows, lectures, or any other public events or media campaigns that promote the idea of a shadow government.

They want this ban to remain in place until the court hears and decides the main case.

The DSS, represented by lead counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), argued that Utomi’s plans could pose a serious risk to public peace, national unity, and safety.

The agency also emphasized that it has a legal duty to prevent actions that could disrupt the country’s internal security or threaten lawful authority.

In its filing, the DSS noted that even before the lawsuit began, Utomi had already been making public comments and using social media to promote his shadow government idea—despite knowing the matter was already in court.

Through intelligence reports, the DSS claims it discovered that Utomi plans to justify his actions using the right to free speech and association, but the agency believes this is a cover to stir unrest and dissatisfaction among the public.

In a sworn statement submitted to support its case, the DSS warned that Utomi’s planned events could attract large crowds and lead to unrest, similar to what happened during the 2020 End SARS protests.

They fear this could result in violence, damage to property, or even loss of lives.

The agency also cited a lecture held at the University of Lagos on May 26, where Utomi reportedly made remarks defending the concept of a shadow government. The DSS said these remarks were widely shared online and in newspapers, further spreading the idea.

It added that Utomi has already been served with the legal documents related to the case and is fully aware of the ongoing proceedings. His legal representative, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), acknowledged receipt of the documents on May 20, 2025.

The DSS argued that if the court does not act quickly to grant their request, Utomi’s actions might undermine the legal process by making the court’s final decision meaningless.

They urged the court to step in, saying it’s necessary for the sake of justice, national stability, and the rule of law.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Federal High Court in Abuja had directed that Professor Pat Utomi be served legal documents over a case accusing him of trying to set up a “shadow government” in Nigeria.