Tension Rises As DSS Gets Green Light To Serve Pat Utomi Over Shadow Govt Allegations

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted an ex parte motion filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) to serve legal documents to Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over allegations of planning to establish a shadow government in Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the matter, approved the motion presented by DSS lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN). Kehinde requested that the court allow service of the court documents to Utomi at his Victoria Island, Lagos residence via courier.

The DSS filed the suit—marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025 and dated May 13—seeking a declaration that Utomi’s alleged plan to form a “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” is unconstitutional. According to the security agency, such a move would amount to creating a parallel authority not recognized by the Nigerian Constitution.

Additionally, the DSS is seeking a perpetual injunction to bar Utomi, his agents, or associates from proceeding with or operating any such alternative government structure.

Citing Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the DSS emphasized that the Constitution remains the supreme law of the land and binding on all individuals and institutions. It argued that the creation of a shadow government would undermine democratic governance, threaten national security, and potentially incite political instability and intergroup conflict.

In its supporting affidavit, the DSS described itself as Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence and security agency, with the mandate to prevent threats to national security. The agency alleged that Utomi and his allies had publicly declared their intentions to set up a shadow government, including positions such as an Ombudsman and members of a Policy Delivery Unit, through various public statements and online platforms.

Justice Omotosho granted the DSS’s request for substituted service via courier and adjourned the case to June 25 for further hearing.