A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission for court papers to be served on Professor Pat Utomi at his residence in Victoria Island, Lagos, via courier service. The court order relates to a lawsuit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) concerning Utomi’s recent initiative to form a shadow government.
Justice James Omotosho approved the substituted service following an ex-parte application by the DSS, which argued that Utomi’s proposed structure poses a threat to national security and violates Nigeria’s constitutional framework. The court scheduled the case for hearing on June 25, 2025, and expects Utomi to respond before that date.
The DSS maintains that the formation of a shadow government could destabilize the country by creating a parallel authority and encouraging political unrest. It is seeking a legal declaration that the initiative is unconstitutional and unlawful.
Professor Utomi, however, has defended the move, describing it as a democratic response to the current administration. He said the shadow cabinet—formed under the Big Tent Coalition—is meant to provide oversight, propose policy alternatives, and promote accountability in areas such as governance, health, education, and the economy.
The court’s order for substituted service is in line with legal procedures that allow for alternative means of delivering court documents when direct service is impractical.
The upcoming court session will focus on the legality and constitutional implications of the shadow government initiative.