Court to Rule on DSS Suit Against Utomi’s “Shadow Government” Plan on Sept 29!

Court to Rule on DSS Suit Against Utomi’s “Shadow Government” Plan on Sept 29!

Reported by David Joshua | Sele Media Africa

Abuja, A Federal High Court in Abuja is scheduled to deliver judgment on Monday, September 29, 2025, in a case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) against public intellectual Prof. Pat Utomi. The DSS alleges that Utomi’s proposed “shadow government” amounts to a threat to constitutional order and seeks court orders to restrain him and his associates. [1]

Background of the Dispute

• The DSS filed the suit in May under case number FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, accusing Utomi of attempting to usurp or mimic executive power by forming a parallel governance structure. [2]
• Utomi responded by filing a preliminary objection, arguing that the court lacks jurisdiction, and that forming a “shadow government” is part of civic engagement and expression protected by the Constitution. [3]
• During proceedings, the court intervened to caution both parties against taking steps that might render the suit moot, and invited amicus curiae from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones to advise on the matter due to its national implications. [4]
  What’s at Stake
• The DSS seeks declarations that Utomi’s “shadow government” is unconstitutional, null and void, and wants perpetual injunctions to restrain him and his associates from carrying out related activities. [2]
• The outcome will test the boundaries betweenpolitical expression and state security, and may set precedents on whether citizens or public figures can form alternative policy bodies outside formal government.

Citations:

1. Thisdaylive: www.thisdaylive.com/2025/07/10/shadow-govt-court-delivers-judgment-in-dss-suit-against-pat-utomi-sept-29/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/05/shadow-govt-dss-drags-pat-utomi-to-court-says-hes-trying-to-usurp-tinubus-powers/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/shadow-govt-pat-utomi-asks-court-to-dismiss-dss-suit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/06/pat-utomis-shadow-govt-court-cautions-parties-against-actions-that-may-affect-suit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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