Byline: Godwin Tsa, Abuja
The Department of State Services (DSS) has informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the paramilitary wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is an illegal organisation lacking legal backing.
IPOB launched the ESN in December 2020 to counter perceived targeted killings of Igbos by northern bandits and herdsmen.
During the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, a DSS operative, identified as BBB, testified under re-examination by prosecution counsel Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, stating, “My lord, while the ESN is not a registered organisation recognised by law, Amotekun was established following the law passed by the respective Houses of Assembly in the affected States.”
The witness distinguished ESN from Amotekun, the South-West security outfit legally backed by state assemblies to combat insecurity, including kidnapping and farmer-herder conflicts.
Additionally, during cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, the court admitted a certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on EndSARS, marked as exhibit PWUO. The defence also tendered a flash drive and certificate of compliance, admitted as exhibits PWP and PWI, respectively.
A video played in court featured speeches by DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen T.Y. Danjuma. Ajayi urged community collaboration with security agencies, stating that communities must defend themselves alongside authorities.
Uzodinma attributed the Orlu killings to opposition politicians, not ESN, while Danjuma, accusing the military of protecting criminals, said, “If you are depending on the Armed Forces to stop the killings, you will die one by one.”
Justice James Omotosho warned against delaying tactics, emphasising an accelerated trial to avoid prolonging Kanu’s detention. He ordered the prosecution to close its case within six days, barring exceptional circumstances, and adjourned the trial to May 28, 29, June 6, 16, 18, and 19.