Explosive Court Testimony: DSS Labels ESN a Criminal Group, Backs Amotekun’s Legality

The Department of State Services (DSS) has told the Federal High Court in Abuja that the Eastern Security Network (ESN)—the paramilitary arm of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)—is an illegal entity lacking any legal recognition

This declaration was made during the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, where a DSS operative identified as BBB testified under re-examination by lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN).

Clarifying the legal status of the ESN, the DSS operative stated:

“My lord, the ESN is not a registered organisation recognised by law. On the other hand, Amotekun was legally established through laws passed by the respective Houses of Assembly in the concerned South-West states.”

He emphasized that while Amotekun is a state-sanctioned security outfit addressing regional security issues like kidnapping and farmer-herder clashes, ESN operates outside the bounds of the law.

During cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN), the court admitted several pieces of evidence, including a certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel of Inquiry on EndSARS report (marked as Exhibit PWUO), a flash drive (Exhibit PWP), and a certificate of compliance (Exhibit PWI).

A video was also played in the courtroom featuring statements from DSS Director-General Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma.

In the video, Ajayi stressed the need for collaboration between communities and security agencies, encouraging communities to actively participate in their own defence. Governor Uzodinma, meanwhile, blamed the Orlu killings on political opponents and denied any ESN involvement. Gen. Danjuma issued a stern warning, claiming:

“If you are depending on the Armed Forces to stop the killings, you will die one by one.”

Justice James Omotosho, who is presiding over the trial, cautioned against tactics that could delay proceedings and emphasized the need for an expedited trial to avoid further prolonging Nnamdi Kanu’s detention. He directed the prosecution to conclude its case within six days, barring exceptional circumstances, and adjourned the matter to May 28, 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19.