In the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Department of State Services (DSS) told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), formed by Kanu, is an illegal security outfit with no legal recognition.
A DSS operative, identified in court as BBB, explained during re-examination that ESN is fundamentally different from the South-West’s Amotekun corps.
He stated that while Amotekun was properly established by law through the respective Houses of Assembly of states in the region, ESN was solely created by Nnamdi Kanu without any legislative or governmental approval.
According to him, Amotekun was set up to assist federal security agencies, whereas ESN was formed independently and without oversight.
The defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Paul Erokoro, presented a certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel report on the EndSARS protests. The court accepted the document as evidence. The defence also submitted a flash drive containing various video clips that featured national figures speaking about community security arrangements.
One of the video clips featured DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi, who emphasised the importance of community cooperation with security agencies to fight insecurity.
Another video showed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma claiming that political killings in Orlu were carried out by rival politicians and not the ESN.
The DSS operative disagreed with this claim, stating that ESN had committed violent acts against both political figures and civilians. In another video, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma called on citizens to defend themselves and accused the Armed Forces of enabling criminal activity.
Presiding Judge James Omotosho warned both sides against actions that could delay the proceedings. He reminded them that Nnamdi Kanu had been in detention for a long time and said the court would no longer tolerate unnecessary delays.
The judge directed the prosecution to finish presenting its case within six days, barring unforeseen circumstances. He adjourned the case to May 28 and 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
