IPOB’s ESN is Illegal, Unlike Amotekun — DSS Witness Tells Court
…says community policing must be guided by security agencies
Abuja — A witness from the Department of State Services (DSS) told a Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), established by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is illegal and lacks legal backing, unlike Amotekun, the regional security outfit created by South-West states.
Testifying as the second prosecution witness in the ongoing terrorism trial of Kanu, the DSS official made the distinction during re-examination by prosecution counsel Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).
“ESN and Amotekun are not the same,” the witness stated. “States in the South-West passed laws to legalise Amotekun. ESN is not registered. It is illegal. Amotekun is recognised by law.”
The witness also acknowledged that DSS Director General, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, once advocated for community-based security frameworks, but emphasized that such initiatives must operate under the guidance and supervision of official security agencies to prevent abuse.
Earlier during proceedings, defence counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN) tendered three video recordings contained in a flash drive, which were admitted into evidence and played in open court.
One of the videos featured the DSS Director General addressing a public event, where he stressed the need for communities to form a “first line of defence” against banditry and other forms of insecurity. However, he underscored that any such initiative must have official approval and be properly regulated.
“The practical approach is to get everyone involved. It is impossible for security agencies to be present everywhere,” the DSS boss was heard saying. “Communities should set up first lines of defence under the guidance and approval of security agencies. The time to start is now.”
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When asked by Erokoro if this amounted to a call for self-defence by communities, the witness reiterated that the DG emphasized official oversight.
Another video played in court showed former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma, alleging complicity of the military in killings across the country.
“They collude with armed bandits who kill Nigerians. They facilitate their movement and cover them. If you rely on the military for protection, you’ll all die one by one,” Danjuma was heard saying.
The witness confirmed Danjuma’s identity in the video but declined to interpret the implications of the speech, urging the lawyer to direct such inquiries to the retired general.
A third video showed Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma attributing violence in his state to political opponents. Asked whether the governor’s comments contradicted the DSS claim that IPOB members were behind killings in Orlu, the witness defended the agency’s position.
“Our investigation identified specific victims killed by suspected IPOB members enforcing sit-at-home orders. The governor didn’t name any victims,” the witness explained.
Under further cross-examination, the DSS official confirmed IPOB’s proscription as a terrorist group and Kanu’s continued association with it.
On the #EndSARS protests, the witness acknowledged they were aimed at disbanding the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and that panels of inquiry were established in states like Lagos, as well as by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
He also confirmed that the Lagos State Judicial Panel’s report neither linked IPOB to the protests nor classified the demonstrations as acts of terrorism. The report was admitted in evidence.
Before adjourning, Justice James Omotosho gave the prosecution six days to call and conclude its case. The defence will have nine days for its presentation.
The trial resumes on May 28 and 29, and continues on June 6, 16, 18, and 19.
By PRNigeria
