‘We dont intend to arrest anyone’ – DSS clarifies stance on Patrick Utomi’s shadow Govt proposal

The Department of State Services (DSS) has made it clear that it has no intention of arresting anyone over the proposed “shadow government” initiative led by Professor Patrick Utomi, a former presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2007.

Instead, the agency insists it is leaving the matter for the courts to decide.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by the DSS’s lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), after filing a fresh application before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The agency is seeking an interlocutory injunction to restrain Prof. Utomi and his group from organising rallies or making public statements promoting the shadow government idea while a suit against them is pending in court.

Speaking with journalists, Kehinde explained that the DSS remains committed to the rule of law and would not resort to unlawful arrests.

“Our client is not interested in arresting anybody on this matter. The DSS is a civilized organization that believes in the rule of law,” he said.

He stated that the decision to seek the court’s interpretation was in line with the DSS’s constitutional duty to prevent internal threats and acts that could destabilize the democratically elected government.

According to Kehinde, despite being served with court papers and represented by his counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), Prof. Utomi has continued to make public comments and host engagements supporting the controversial shadow government project, a development the DSS claims could threaten national unity and public peace.

The new application, Kehinde noted, seeks to restrain Utomi and his group from holding rallies, lectures, roadshows, or media campaigns relating to the initiative until the case is decided.

The DSS said it has intelligence reports indicating Prof. Utomi, who is currently outside the country, intends to step up these activities upon his return on June 6.

The security agency expressed concern that these gatherings could trigger unrest similar to the #EndSARS protests in 2020, with the potential for violence, casualties, and destruction of property.

The DSS also referenced Utomi’s comments during a lecture at the University of Lagos on May 26, where he publicly defended the shadow government idea and vowed to press on with his campaign, regardless of the legal battle.

Kehinde appealed to the public and media to allow the courts to handle the matter and avoid fueling tensions.

“The DSS is asking the court to intervene in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law,” he said.

The case remains before the Federal High Court, with the application for the interlocutory injunction awaiting determination.