Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has criticised what he called ongoing efforts by the Department of State Services (DSS) to silence his advocacy for democratic reforms, following a fresh application filed by the agency at the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop him from staging rallies or making public statements related to a proposed shadow government.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Wednesday, Utomi expressed frustration over the continued harassment, saying, “I’m getting fed up with all of this. If they are ready to shut my voice, I am ready to go to Ghana or anywhere else and live peacefully.”
The DSS, through its counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), filed the application for an interlocutory injunction seeking to restrain Utomi, his associates, or anyone acting on his behalf from holding public rallies, granting media interviews, or engaging in activities linked to the formation of a shadow cabinet—pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, stems from the agency’s earlier legal move to have Utomi’s shadow government initiative declared unconstitutional and an attempt to usurp the powers of the sitting administration.
According to the DSS, intelligence reports suggest that although Utomi is currently abroad, he intends to return to Nigeria on June 6 to mobilise public roadshows and rallies “under the guise of freedom of speech and association.”
The agency argued that such actions could destabilise public order and fuel unrest, potentially leading to a repeat of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, which were marked by widespread demonstrations and clashes with security forces.
But Utomi, in his response, said the proposed rallies referenced by the DSS were not even scheduled for this month. “I’m baffled by their paranoia. The rallies they are worried about are actually scheduled for December,” he said.
He accused the government of being intolerant of dissent and suppressing ideas meant to inspire the youth and promote national development.
“I want to inspire the next generation to be free and make progress. It’s now up to them. The current generation must realise that there are people who don’t want Nigeria to grow,” he said.
Utomi also confirmed that he had responded to the original suit through his legal team, led by senior advocate Mike Ozekhome (SAN).
In the new application, the DSS cited a recent appearance by Utomi at the Topaz Lecture Series on May 26, hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association. At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity?”, Utomi had publicly defended the concept and hinted that if the court ruled against it, he and his group would continue under a different name.
The DSS warned in its affidavit that failure to restrain Utomi could result in public disorder, potential riots, and a breakdown of law and order. It urged the court to intervene to protect national security and uphold the rule of law.
The agency further claimed that Utomi’s proposed actions could incite mass protests and undermine the government’s legitimacy.
“Unless this honourable court intervenes by granting this application, the defendant/respondent’s actions may undermine the authority of the court and pose a serious threat to national security and the rule of law,” the DSS stated.
The Federal High Court is expected to rule on the application in the coming days.
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