DSS Sues Pat Utomi Over Alleged Plot To Form Shadow Government
The Department of State Services (DSS) has dragged former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Prof. Pat Utomi, to court over his plan to form a shadow government in Nigeria.
In a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the DSS accused Utomi of attempting to create chaos and destabilise the country through the establishment of a parallel government.
The agency described the move as unconstitutional and a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Filed by a legal team led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), the DSS is seeking a declaration that the proposed shadow government or cabinet is unlawful and not recognised by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The agency wants the court to restrain Utomi, his agents, and associates from proceeding with the plan.
Citing Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the DSS argued that no part of Nigeria can be governed outside the provisions of the Constitution.
It warned that Utomi’s actions could spark political unrest, intergroup tensions, and encourage other separatist entities to form similar structures.
The DSS revealed that it had been monitoring Utomi’s public statements and media interviews, where he openly announced the formation of a shadow government made up of individuals assigned to various portfolios.
It listed some of the named members, including Dele Farotimi (Ombudsman and Good Governance), and a Policy Delivery Unit team comprising Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo, and Obi Ajuga.
According to the agency, the group is neither registered nor constitutionally recognised and seeks to mimic executive authority, which it says undermines the legitimacy of the elected government.
The DSS added that efforts by the Federal Government, including interventions by the Minister of Information, had failed to dissuade Utomi from pursuing the initiative.
It urged the court to declare the defendant’s actions unconstitutional and illegal in the interest of national security and democratic order.
The suit, filed on May 13, is yet to be assigned to a judge.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
