The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved a request from the Department of State Services (DSS) to deliver legal documents to former presidential candidate Pat Utomi concerning claims about plans to set up a shadow government in Nigeria.
The permission was given during a court session where the DSS sought approval to serve the papers at Utomi’s address in Victoria Island, Lagos, using a courier service.
The DSS had earlier filed a suit dated May 13, asking the court to declare the idea of forming a shadow government or cabinet by Utomi and his associates illegal.
According to the agency, such a move would create a separate authority not recognized by the Nigerian Constitution.
The DSS also asked the court to stop Utomi and those working with him from taking any further action related to this plan.
In its suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, the DSS pointed to Section 1(1) of the Constitution, which states that the Constitution is the highest law of the land and must be obeyed by everyone.
The agency argued that forming a shadow government could weaken the country’s democracy, cause insecurity, and trigger unrest among different groups.
The DSS also described itself as the main agency responsible for gathering intelligence and protecting national security.
It claimed that Utomi and his team had already announced the formation of the shadow government using public channels, including social media.
According to the affidavit submitted to the court, the proposed body had assigned roles like Ombudsman and Policy Delivery Unit members.
During the court session, DSS counsel Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN) provided details of Utomi’s address and urged the court to allow the use of courier service for delivering the documents.
Justice James Omotosho accepted the request and fixed the next hearing for June 25.
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