Utomi kicks as DSS asks court to stop rallies

Prominent economist Prof. Pat Utomi has expressed frustration over what he described as the government’s continued attempts to “shut his voice.”

Utomi spoke with The PUNCH on Wednesday following a fresh application filed by the Department of State Services at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking to restrain him from making public comments or staging rallies linked to the proposed formation of a shadow government.

The latest application, filed by DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), is related to an existing suit concerning Utomi’s plans to float a shadow cabinet.

According to the DSS, intelligence reports indicate that although Professor Utomi is currently out of the country, he plans to return on June 6, to stage roadshows and rallies under the guise of freedom of speech and association.
These actions, the DSS alleges, are intended to foment public discontent in furtherance of the establishment of a purported shadow government or cabinet.

Reacting to the latest application, Utomi said, “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.”

“I will retire next year and leave them to do whatever they want to do. I’m looking for a better country for the next generation. But politicians make it look like dissenting comments. I want to inspire the next generation to be free and make progress. It is now up to them.

“It is up to the current generation to realise that there are people who don’t want their country to grow.”

He, however, confirmed that Mike Ozekhome (SAN) and other lawyers had filed a defence on his behalf in response to the initial DSS suit.

On planned rallies on June 12, Utomi said he was baffled that the government fretted noting that the rallies were scheduled for December.

Recall that the DSS earlier instituted a suit against Utomi over his alleged plans to form a shadow government.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, seeks to have the move declared unconstitutional and as an attempt to usurp the authority of the current government.

Justice James Omotosho fixed June 25, for the hearing of the case.

However, in its latest motion, the DSS expressed dissatisfaction with Utomi’s alleged plans to engage in protests, road shows, media interviews, and other activities.

It proceeded to ask the court to issue an interlocutory injunction to restrain him, his associates, and anyone acting on his behalf from organising any public gatherings, publishing media content, or engaging in activities promoting the purported shadow government until the substantive suit is resolved.

The DSS argued that if left unchecked, the proposed rallies and related actions would pose a serious threat to public order, safety, and national unity.

The DSS further contended that, as the agency tasked with safeguarding internal security, it has a duty to prevent any threat to the lawful authority of Nigeria.

In its supporting affidavit, the DSS claimed that Prof. Utomi’s proposed activities could draw large crowds, leading to potential disruptions of public peace, riots, and violent protests similar to the 2020 End SARS demonstrations.

It further alleged that such actions could result in anarchy, loss of lives, and property damage.

The DSS also referenced a recent event on May 26, where Professor Utomi spoke during the fourth edition of the Topaz Lecture Series hosted by the University of Lagos Mass Communication Class of 1988 Alumni Association.
At the event, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity,” the DSS said Utomi defended the concept of a shadow government and stated that if the suit succeeded in favour of the DSS, his group would adopt a different name.

The DSS noted that Utomi had been served with the originating process in this case and had entered an appearance through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), on May 20, 2025.

“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.

It also urged the court to act in the interest of justice, national security, and public order.

THE PUNCH