Emamuzo Iboma
The Department of State Services (DSS) has informed the Abuja Federal High Court that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the paramilitary wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is an unlawful organization lacking legal backing.
IPOB, a banned pro-Biafra movement, established the ESN in December 2020 as a response to perceived targeted killings of Igbos by bandits and herdsmen from northern Nigeria.
During ongoing trial proceedings for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, a DSS witness identified as BBB stated that ESN is illegal because it was not established under law. The witness made this declaration while differentiating ESN from Amotekun, the South-Western regional security outfit with legal authorization from state legislatures.
“While ESN was formed without legal backing, Amotekun was established following laws passed by the respective Houses of Assembly,” BBB explained.
Amotekun, set up across the six states of Nigeria’s South-West, aims to support security agencies in tackling insecurity, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and conflicts between herders and farmers.
During cross-examination, the defense team tendered several documents, including a certified copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry report on EndSARS victims, a flash drive, and a certificate of compliance, all admitted as evidence.
The court also viewed a video featuring speeches by DSS Director General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Army Chief and Minister of Defence Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma. In the clip, Ajayi emphasised community cooperation with security agencies, while Uzodinma distanced ESN from recent political killings in Orlu, blaming opposition figures instead. Danjuma called on citizens to defend themselves, criticising alleged collusion between the military and criminals.
Justice James Omotosho cautioned all parties against delaying tactics, emphasizing the importance of an expedited trial. He ordered the prosecution to conclude its case within six days and scheduled subsequent proceedings for May 28, 29, June 6, 16, 18, and 19.
