Nigeria TV Info — Federal High Court Declares Pat Utomi’s “Shadow Government” Illegal

Abuja, Nigeria — In a landmark ruling on Monday, a Federal High Court in Abuja declared Professor Pat Utomi’s attempt to form a shadow government illegal, unlawful, and unconstitutional.

Delivering judgment in a suit brought by the Department of State Services (DSS), Justice James Omotosho held that Utomi and his associates cannot cloak unlawful activities under the guise of association rights. The court nullified the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government (BTCSG), which Utomi had registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, describing it as ultra vires — beyond the powers permitted under the Nigerian Constitution.

Justice Omotosho stressed that the appropriate channel for political engagement remains through recognised political parties, either by forming one or joining an existing party. He added that any attempt to bypass this process undermines Nigeria’s democratic framework.

Addressing concerns over human rights, the judge observed that fundamental rights are not absolute and affirmed that the DSS acted within its constitutional mandate to prevent actions that could threaten national security.

The DSS had approached the court soon after Utomi launched the BTCSG in May, describing the initiative as a “national emergency response.” The secret police argued that the shadow government concept is alien to Nigeria’s Constitution and posed risks of political unrest, intergroup tensions, and possible replication by separatist groups.

The ruling marks a significant judicial stance on the boundaries of civic association and political activism in Nigeria, reinforcing the legal framework for political participation.