Prominent Nigerian economist and political thinker, Professor Pat Utomi, has voiced frustration over what he described as persistent efforts by the government to silence his views, following fresh legal action initiated by the Department of State Services (DSS).
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The DSS, through its counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), filed a new application at the Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking an order to restrain Utomi from making public statements or organising rallies related to his proposed shadow government.
According to the security agency, intelligence reports suggest that although Utomi is currently outside the country, he is expected to return on June 6, with plans to stage roadshows and rallies “under the guise of exercising freedom of speech and association.”
The DSS claims these activities are intended to stir public unrest in furtherance of Utomi’s plan to establish a shadow cabinet, which the agency views as a direct challenge to the authority of the current government.
In response, 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.”
He added, “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 dissent. I want to inspire the next generation to be free and make progress. It is now up to them.”
Utomi confirmed that his legal team, led by senior lawyer Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has entered a defence in the original suit filed by the DSS.
He also denied immediate plans for public rallies, saying the events in question were scheduled for December, not June 12 as alleged.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, was originally filed to challenge the constitutionality of Utomi’s proposed shadow government. Justice James Omotosho has scheduled June 25 for hearing.
In the latest application, the DSS urged the court to issue an interlocutory injunction restraining Utomi, his allies, and anyone acting on his behalf from organising any public gathering, releasing media content, or promoting the shadow government until the main suit is determined.
The DSS argued that such actions, if not curbed, could threaten public safety, incite unrest, and erode national unity. It further claimed that Utomi’s movement could trigger demonstrations akin to the 2020 End SARS protests, leading to violence and instability.
The agency also referenced Utomi’s recent remarks at the University of Lagos during the fourth Topaz Lecture Series, themed “Shadow Government: A Distraction or Necessity.” At the event, Utomi defended the concept and reportedly indicated that even if barred from using the term “shadow government,” his group would continue under a different name.
In its affidavit, the DSS asserted that it had served Utomi with court documents, and that he formally responded through his legal counsel on May 20.
The agency urged the court to grant the application to protect national security and uphold the rule of law.
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