The Department of State Services (DSS) has filed a legal motion at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to bar Professor Pat Utomi from making further public statements or organizing events in support of his recently launched shadow government.
Utomi, a renowned political economist, unveiled the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government on May 5—a virtual platform he described as a credible opposition to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. The DSS, however, considers the initiative unconstitutional and a threat to national stability.
In suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed through its counsel Akinlolu Kehinde, the DSS is asking the court to declare the shadow government illegal. The agency’s application is backed by intelligence reports alleging that Utomi—currently outside Nigeria and expected to return on June 6—plans to stage rallies and road shows upon his arrival.
According to the DSS, these planned gatherings—presented as exercises in free speech and democratic engagement—are, in fact, intended to stir public unrest similar to the 2020 End SARS protests. The agency warned that such activities could lead to riots, property destruction, and loss of lives.
In an affidavit submitted to support the suit, the DSS stated that Utomi’s campaign poses a “serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.” It also referenced remarks he made during a public lecture at the University of Lagos on May 26, claiming those statements could prejudice the legal process and escalate tensions.
The DSS is therefore seeking an interlocutory injunction to prevent Utomi and anyone acting on his behalf from hosting or participating in rallies, public lectures, media broadcasts, or publications that promote the shadow government or its agenda.
The agency argues that granting the injunction is necessary to protect national security, maintain public order, and uphold the rule of law.
The court has not yet ruled on the application.