The Department of State Services (DSS) has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, requesting an injunction to prevent Professor Pat Utomi from organizing public rallies. The DSS alleges that Utomi’s planned gatherings are part of a broader scheme by certain political elements to mobilize student leaders and ethnic associations for protests aimed at discrediting the Federal Government and security agencies over socio-economic issues. The security agency claims to have identified the masterminds behind these plans and is closely monitoring their activities to avert potential anarchy. In response, Utomi has denied any involvement in sponsoring protests and has threatened legal action against those accusing him of such activities.
Context: This development comes amid heightened tensions in Nigeria, with various groups expressing dissatisfaction over economic hardships and governance issues. The DSS has previously issued warnings about planned protests, asserting that some are politically motivated attempts to destabilize the country. Human rights activists have criticized the government’s approach, arguing that seeking court orders to suppress peaceful protests infringes on constitutional rights. The situation underscores the ongoing debate between maintaining national security and upholding citizens’ rights to free expression and assembly.
