The State Security Service (SSS) has filed a fresh application at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to restrain Professor Patrick Okedinachi Utomi from organizing rallies, road shows, or making public comments regarding his proposed shadow government.
The application, filed on Wednesday, comes amid intelligence reports that Utomi, who is currently abroad, plans to engage in protests and media activities upon his return to Nigeria on June 6.
Details of the Court Application
The SSS legal team, led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), is specifically requesting "an order of interlocutory injunction" to prevent Utomi, his associates, and supporters from staging any form of public gathering, media engagement, or promotional activities related to the shadow government concept pending the determination of the substantive suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025.
According to court documents, the security agency argues that Utomi's planned activities "constitute a serious threat to public order, safety and national unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria." The SSS expressed concerns that the proposed rallies could potentially lead to disruptions similar to the 2020 EndSARS protests, resulting in "mayhem with a potential for anarchy, loss of lives and property."
Background of the Case
The application follows earlier legal proceedings initiated by the SSS against Utomi, the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), over his announced plans to establish a shadow government in Nigeria.
The security agency claims that despite being served with the originating process and having legal representation through Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN) since May 20, 2025, Utomi has continued to make public statements that could undermine the pending case.
The SSS specifically referenced Utomi's participation in the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series at the University of Lagos on May 26, where he reportedly defended the shadow government concept and indicated that his group would adopt a different name if the court ruled against them.
SSS Position on the Matter
Speaking after filing the application, Kehinde explained that the SSS is seeking judicial interpretation on "whether any form of government by whatever nomenclature can be formed or allowed outside the Constitution."
He emphasized that the security agency is not interested in arresting anyone but has "submitted itself to the jurisdiction of the honourable court to interpret the Constitution and determine the legality or otherwise of the 'Shadow government' or any other nomenclature that it may be so named."
The senior advocate described the SSS under its current leadership as "a very civilized organization with absolute confidence in the rule of law," noting that the agency approaches the courts whenever it perceives infractions on its statutory duties.
The court is yet to set a date for the hearing of this fresh application as the substantive case continues to generate significant public interest across Nigeria.
