The Department of State Services (DSS) has declared the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the security arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as an illegal organization, lacking any legal framework to operate within Nigeria.
This position was made known on Wednesday during the ongoing trial of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
A DSS operative, testifying under the pseudonym “BBB,” said ESN was formed unilaterally by Kanu in 2020 without legislative or statutory backing, unlike similar outfits in other parts of the country.
Under re-examination by the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awolowo, SAN, the witness drew a sharp contrast between the ESN and the Amotekun Corps in the South-West.
According to the witness, while Amotekun was created through laws enacted by state Houses of Assembly, the ESN was not founded on any legal basis.
“My Lord, while the ESN is not a registered organization under any law, Amotekun was established following legislation passed by the affected states,” he stated.
The ESN was launched by IPOB in December 2020, amid growing insecurity and tensions between herders and host communities in the South-East.
However, during cross-examination by the defence counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, the court admitted into evidence the certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry report on the #EndSARS protest and related abuses. It was marked as Exhibit PWUO.
The defence also tendered a flash drive and certificate of compliance, which were admitted and marked Exhibits PWP and PWI, respectively.
A video clip was subsequently played in open court, showing public remarks from DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (rtd).
In the footage, DSS chief Ajayi emphasized community collaboration in the fight against insecurity, stating that citizens must assist security agencies in tackling crime.
Governor Uzodinma, in his remarks, distanced the ESN from recent killings in Orlu, attributing them instead to opposition politicians.
However, the DSS witness challenged the governor’s assertion, insisting that the ESN was behind numerous attacks on both civilians and politicians in the region.
Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Danjuma criticized the military’s alleged complicity in security lapses and urged Nigerians to defend themselves, warning that relying solely on the Armed Forces could be dangerous.
Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, warned against attempts to stall proceedings and urged all parties to respect the accelerated hearing order.
He directed the prosecution to conclude its case within six days unless exceptional circumstances arise.
The case was adjourned to May 28 and 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19 for continuation of trial.