The Department of State Services (DSS) has stated that it has no interest in arresting anyone over the proposed “shadow government” led by Prof. Pat Utomi, a former presidential candidate.

The agency’s lead counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), clarified this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Speaking to journalists after filing an interlocutory injunction at the Federal High Court, Kehinde explained that the DSS had chosen to pursue legal means rather than arrests to address concerns surrounding Utomi’s plan.

He emphasised that the agency seeks constitutional interpretation regarding the legality of forming any government structure outside the Nigerian Constitution.

“Our client has confidence in the rule of law. It has submitted to the court’s jurisdiction to interpret whether a shadow government or any such formation is lawful under the Constitution,” Kehinde said.

The DSS filed the application to restrain Utomi and his associates from organising rallies, road shows, or public events promoting the shadow government until the court determines the legality of the initiative.

The application claims that Utomi’s continued public commentary, despite being served court papers, poses a potential threat to public order and national unity.

The suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025) also claims that intelligence reports show Utomi, currently abroad, plans to return on June 6 and stage rallies that could stir public unrest.

The DSS referenced the 2020 End SARS protests as a precedent for how such gatherings might escalate.

The agency said Utomi, during a May 26 lecture at the University of Lagos, publicly defended the shadow government concept and suggested renaming it if the court ruled against him.

The DSS stressed that the action is in line with its statutory mandate to protect Nigeria’s internal security and prevent actions that may undermine lawful authority.

It urged the court to intervene to prevent possible unrest, asserting that Utomi’s actions could create chaos and disrupt national peace.