News

DSS Sues Pat Utomi Over Shadow Government

Published

1 year ago

May 14, 2025

The Department of State Services has sued a former presidential candidate, Prof. Pat Utomi, accusing him of attempting to illegally usurp President Bola Tinubu’s executive powers by setting up a shadow government.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, the DSS alleged that Utomi’s actions posed a threat to national security and constitutional order.

The 2007 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress was named as the sole defendant in the suit.

The suit, which was filed through a team of lawyers led by Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), on Wednesday, claimed Utomi was attempting to illegally usurp the executive powers of Tinubu.

According to the suit, the planned shadow government or shadow cabinet is an unregistered and unrecognised body claiming to operate as an alternative government. contrary to the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

The DSS, in its contentions, stated that Utomi, through public statements, social media, and other platforms, announced the formation of the body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.

The secret police added that while he was inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, Utomi stated that it is made up of the Ombudsman and Good Governance portfolio to be manned by Dele Farotimi; the policy Delivery Unit team consisting of Oghene Momoh, Cheta Nwanze, Daniel Ikuonobe, Halima Ahmed, David Okonkwo and Obi Ajuga; and the council of economic advisers.

The service said, “Based on the intelligence gathered by the plaintiff, the activities and statements made by the defendant and his associates are capable of misleading segments of the Nigerian public, weakening confidence in the legitimacy of the elected government, and fuelling public disaffection.”

The secret police also said it is certain that the defendant’s shadow government, if left unchallenged, could destabilise the country, incite political unrest and undermine national security, as it was intended to create chaos.

It claimed that such a structure, styled as a shadow government, could cause intergroup tensions and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to establish similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a serious threat to national security.

“The plaintiff, in the discharge of its statutory duties, has gathered intelligence confirming that the defendant’s actions pose a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

“The defendant’s actions amount to an attempt to usurp or mimic executive authority, contrary to sections 1(1), 1 (2), and 14(2Xa) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which exclusively vests governance in institutions duly created under the Constitution and through democratic elections.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has made several efforts to engage the defendant to dissuade him from this unconstitutional path, including statements made by the Minister of Information, but the defendant has remained defiant.

“It is in the interest of justice, national security, and the rule of law for this honourable court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal,” DSS stated.

The DSS further described the planned shadow government as not only an aberration but also a grave attack on the Constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government currently in place.

Among its requests, the DSS asked the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by the defendant and his associates as unconstitutional.

It argued that the move amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The DSS further prayed the court to declare that, under Sections 1(1), 1(2), and 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, the establishment or operation of any governmental authority or structure outside the provisions of the Constitution is unconstitutional, null, and void.

Additionally, the DSS sought “an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendant, his agents, and associates from taking any steps towards establishing or operating a ‘shadow government’, ‘shadow cabinet’, or any similar entity not recognised by the Constitution”.

The DSS highlighted several grounds for its approach to the court, maintaining that Section 1(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) establishes the Constitution’s supremacy and its binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.

It further emphasised that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with constitutional provisions.

The secret police also referred to Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution, which declares that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom the government derives all its powers and authority.

It argued that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacks legal legitimacy, as it contravenes multiple constitutional provisions.

In an affidavit supporting the suit, the DSS described itself as the principal domestic intelligence and security agency statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to internal security, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace, and constitutional order.

It added that it is empowered to safeguard the nation by preventing threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and its constituent institutions.

The DSS further told the court that the defendant had announced the establishment of what he termed a shadow government, comprising several individuals making up its ministerial cabinet.

The court is yet to fix a date for the hearing.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.