The Department of State Services (DSS) has no intention of arresting individuals involved in the proposed shadow government led by Patrick Utomi, the 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), according to the agency’s lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN).
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday after filing a fresh application at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Kehinde clarified that the DSS is seeking a judicial interpretation of the legality of Utomi’s planned shadow government rather than pursuing arrests. The application requests an interlocutory injunction to restrain Utomi and his associates from organizing rallies, road shows, public lectures, or media campaigns promoting the shadow government until the court determines the substantive suit.
Kehinde emphasized the DSS’s commitment to the rule of law, stating, “Our client is a civilized organization with absolute confidence in the judiciary. It has submitted itself to the court to interpret the Constitution and determine the legality of the ‘shadow government’ or any other nomenclature.” He noted that the suit aligns with the agency’s mandate to ensure internal peace and prevent insurrection or treasonable felony against Nigeria’s democratically elected government.
The application, filed as a public document, cites Utomi’s continued inflammatory statements—despite the pending suit and his counsel Mike Ozekhome (SAN) entering an appearance—as a basis for the injunction. The DSS argues that such actions, including planned public gatherings and media campaigns, could threaten public order, safety, and national unity.
Kehinde urged the media to monitor the case closely, stressing the importance of upholding constitutional democracy and the rule of law. The court will determine whether any form of government outside the Constitution is permissible, with the DSS seeking to maintain the status quo pending the final ruling.
