metro
Shadow govt: Court fixes date for DSS’ suit against Pat Utomi
Shadow govt: Court fixes date for DSS’ suit against Pat Utomi
The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed June 25, 2025, for the hearing of a suit filed by the Department of State Services (DSS) against renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, over an alleged plan to establish a “shadow government” in Nigeria.
The date was set by Justice James Omotosho on Wednesday after DSS counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), filed a motion ex-parte requesting permission to serve court documents on Prof. Utomi via courier to his Lagos address. The application was granted due to challenges in effecting personal service.
The DSS had filed the suit accusing Utomi of plotting to run a parallel government structure, a move the agency claims threatens national security.
The security agency gave Utomi’s Lagos address as, “No. 6, Balarabe Musa Crescent, off Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, State.”
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After Kehinde argued the motion, Justice Omotosho granted the application and ordered Utomi to be served by substituted means.
The judge adjourned the matter until June 25 for hearing.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DSS, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/937/2025, prayed the court to declare the planned shadow government as an attack on the constitution.
In the suit, Utomi, the 2007 Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is sued as sole defendant.
The security outfit, in the suit filed on May 13 by Kehinde contended that the move by Utomi was intended to create chaos and destabilise the country.
The DSS argued that not only was the planned shadow government an aberration, it constituted a grave attack on the constitution and a threat to the democratically elected government that is currently in place.
It expressed concern that such a structure, styled as a “shadow government,” if left unchecked, may incite political unrest, cause inter-group tensions, and embolden other unlawful actors or separatist entities to replicate similar parallel arrangements, all of which would pose a grave threat to national security.
The plaintiff, therefore, urged the court to declare the purported “shadow government” or “shadow cabinet” being planned by Utomi and his associates as “unconstitutional and amounts to an attempt to create a parallel authority not recognised by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The department also sought a declaration 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 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) is unconstitutional, null, and void.”
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The plaintiff prayed the court to issue an order of perpetual injunction, restraining Utomi, his agents and associates “from further taking any steps towards the establishment or operation of a ‘shadow government,’ ‘shadow cabinet’ or any similar entity not recognized by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).”
The plaintiff, in its grounds of argument, hinged its prayers on the fact that Section 1(1) of the Constitution declares its supremacy and binding force on all persons and authorities in Nigeria.
It added that Section 1(2) prohibits the governance of Nigeria or any part thereof except in accordance with the provisions of the constitution.
According to the DSS, Section 14(2Xa) states that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, from whom government through the constitution derives all its powers and authority.
It contended that Utomi’s proposed shadow government lacked constitutional recognition and authority, thereby contravening the aforementioned provisions.
The plaintiff further stated in a supporting affidavit that it is the principal domestic intelligence and security agency of the Federal Republic of Nigeria statutorily mandated to detect and prevent threats to the internal security of Nigeria, including subversive activities capable of undermining national unity, peace and constitutional order.
The DSS added that it is statutorily empowered to safeguard the internal security of Nigeria and prevent any threats to the lawful authority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Its constituent institutions.
It stated that it has monitored, “through intelligence reports and open source material, public statements and interviews granted by the defendant, Professor Patrick Utomi, in which he announced the purported establishment of what he temed a ‘shadow government’ or ‘shadow cabinet,’comprising of several persons that make up its ‘Minister.’
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“The ‘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 defendant (Utomi), through public statements, social media, and other platforms, has announced the formation of this body with the intent to challenge the legitimacy of the democratically elected government of Nigeria.
“While inaugurating the ‘shadow cabinet’, the defendant stated that it ls 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.
“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,” it said.
The DSS said in the discharge of Its statutory duties, it had 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.”
The agency said that it would be in the interest of justice, national security and the rule of law for the court to declare the existence and operations of the defendant unconstitutional and illegal.
Shadow govt: Court fixes date for DSS’ suit against Pat Utomi
(NAN)
metro
Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
A 56-year-old man, Momodou Bobb, is facing a mandatory life sentence after admitting to the brutal killing of his wife, Ndata Bobb, in a shocking domestic violence case that took place while their four children were inside the home.
The High Court in Edinburgh heard that the attack occurred at the family’s home in Restalrig, Restalrig, Edinburgh, where the victim suffered at least 22 stab wounds to multiple parts of her body, including the face, neck, chest, back, arms, and abdomen.
Prosecutors told the court that Bobb initially claimed the incident happened during a struggle in which he was holding a knife that “slipped,” but he later admitted murdering his wife during a violent confrontation on 27 and 28 August last year.
The court was told that emergency services were alerted after a 999 call reported a “fight” between the couple. When police arrived, Bobb opened the door wearing only boxer shorts and was covered in blood. Officers also found two blood-stained knives in the kitchen.
Despite rapid medical intervention, including attempts by paramedics to resuscitate the victim at the scene, she was later pronounced dead at hospital. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was a deep stab wound to the neck that severed a major vein.
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Witness testimony presented in court described hearing the victim screaming for help, reportedly shouting “leave me alone” before collapsing inside the living room.
The court also heard that Bobb sustained injuries to his hand during the incident and was treated in hospital under police supervision. During treatment, he reportedly told officers that the knife had “slipped” during a fight.
Lady Haldane, presiding over the case, described the victim as a “much-loved mother” and noted the devastating impact her death has had on her family, including her four children—three of whom she shared with the accused and one from a previous relationship.
She further confirmed that under UK law, murder carries a mandatory life sentence, with the court set to determine the minimum term Bobb must serve before being eligible to apply for parole.
The judge noted that the victim, originally from The Gambia, had a large extended family and was deeply loved by those who knew her, adding that the “tragedy of her loss is immense.”
Court proceedings revealed that the couple had moved to the UK in the 1990s and later settled in Scotland, with the victim obtaining tenancy of the Edinburgh property in late 2023.
Sentence has been deferred pending the preparation of background and sentencing reports.
Authorities have described the case as a deeply disturbing example of domestic violence, highlighting ongoing concerns about the need for stronger prevention and intervention measures to protect vulnerable families.
Man Admits Stabbing Wife 22 Times in Front of Four Children
BBC
metro
EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed as false a viral “wanted” poster featuring popular Nigerian comedian Emmanuel Chukwuemeka Ejekwu, widely known as Sabinus, describing it as fake, misleading, and the work of mischief-makers.
In a statement shared via its official social media platforms on Thursday, the anti-graft agency clearly stamped the circulating image “FAKE NEWS”, warning individuals responsible for spreading such content to desist. In a strongly worded caption, the EFCC wrote, “Clout chaser, stop this now!” — signaling frustration over the growing trend of misinformation online.
The doctored poster, which spread rapidly across social media, mimicked the official EFCC “wanted” notice format, including the agency’s logo and layout. It falsely claimed that Sabinus, allegedly aged 43, was wanted for obtaining money under false pretence, and even listed a supposed last known address in Victoria Island, Lagos State.
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However, further checks confirm that no such notice exists on any official EFCC platform, including its verified website and social media pages, which are the only legitimate channels through which the commission declares individuals wanted. The agency reiterated that all authentic wanted notices are publicly verifiable, urging Nigerians to rely on official sources before sharing sensitive claims.
The EFCC did not disclose whether it has identified those behind the fabricated poster but emphasized that the spread of false information could have serious legal and reputational consequences. The commission has, in recent years, intensified warnings against the circulation of fake news, impersonation of government agencies, and digital misinformation, particularly on social media.
Sabinus, a widely recognised entertainer known for his viral comedy skits and brand endorsements, commands a massive following both within Nigeria and internationally. As of the time of reporting, he has not publicly reacted to the incident.
The development highlights growing concerns about the misuse of digital platforms to create convincing but false narratives, especially involving public figures. Authorities continue to advise the public to verify information carefully and avoid amplifying unconfirmed reports that could harm individuals or undermine public trust.
EFCC Debunks Fake Wanted Poster of Sabinus
metro
12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
Tension and outrage have gripped Federal Government College, Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State after a 12-year-old Junior Secondary School 2 student, Ufokobong Edwin Godwin, reportedly died following alleged bullying by a senior student over provisions. The incident, which began before the Easter break, has raised serious concerns about student safety and bullying in Nigerian schools.
The attack reportedly occurred when a Senior Secondary School 3 student demanded provisions from the younger pupil during terminal examinations. Godwin refused, saying he did not have enough to share. Witnesses allege that the senior student responded with physical violence, repeatedly striking Godwin on the neck and throat, causing him to faint multiple times. Other students only intervened after the assault escalated.
Godwin was initially hospitalized on Easter Sunday for a neck injury. He briefly regained consciousness but was later returned to school without his parents being informed of the seriousness of the incident. Upon returning home for the holiday, the boy began complaining of severe neck and throat pain. Despite taking pain relief medication at home, his condition worsened, prompting his father to rush him back to the hospital, where he tragically died. Medical personnel later confirmed that his death resulted from complications associated with blood clots around the neck and throat area.
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The school principal, Mr. Jude Ezeogu, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and confirmed that the school community is in mourning. He said a school management committee will meet to review the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and communicate their findings to the public.
The family of the deceased has called on the Federal Government of Nigeria to investigate the matter and ensure justice. The boy’s father urged the authorities to intervene, saying he would provide more details at an appropriate time.
The tragic death of Ufokobong Edwin Godwin has reignited discussions about bullying, student protection, and campus safety across Nigeria, with parents and education stakeholders calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in boarding schools.
12-Year-Old Dies After Alleged Bullying at FGC, Ikot Ekpene
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