The Department of State Services, DSS, on Thursday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that the Indigenous People of Biafra and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network, cannot be equated with the South-West regional security outfit, Amotekun.
Testifying as the second prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, a DSS operative identified only as BBB said Amotekun was legally established by state laws, unlike IPOB and the ESN, which he described as unlawful organisations.
“While the ESN is not a registered organisation recognised by law, Amotekun was established following laws passed by the respective Houses of Assembly in the affected [South-West] states,” BBB told the court during re-examination by Federal Government counsel Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN).
BBB maintained that neither IPOB nor ESN has any legal foundation. IPOB, a proscribed secessionist group, created the ESN in December 2020, citing the need to defend the South-East against killings and attacks allegedly carried out by bandits and herdsmen from the North.
Earlier during cross-examination by the defence counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), BBB said killings linked to IPOB had affected a wide spectrum of society, including politicians, civilians, and members of the armed forces.
The defence played a video of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma stating that IPOB was not behind some killings in the state. In the footage, Uzodimma cited the murders of key All Progressives Congress officials in the Obgeruru community, which he blamed on political actors rather than IPOB. He noted that no People’s Democratic Party member had been targeted since the onset of the violence.
When asked if he heard the governor exonerating IPOB, BBB confirmed hearing the statement but clarified that he was unsure what specific killings Uzodimma referred to or when they occurred.
“I believe the governor was referring to political killings,” he said. “But the killings by IPOB affect politicians, members of the armed forces, civilians, and everyone, not just politicians.”
The court admitted several exhibits presented by the defence, including a certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel report on EndSARS abuses (Exhibit PWUO), a flash drive (Exhibit PWP), and a certificate of compliance (Exhibit PWI).
The defence also played video clips featuring public remarks by DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (retd.).
Ajayi, in his remarks, called on communities to partner with security agencies in tackling criminality, stating that security forces cannot work alone. Danjuma, in his speech, accused the Armed Forces of collusion with criminals and warned communities not to rely solely on the military for protection.
Justice James Omotosho cautioned both prosecution and defence against delay tactics, noting that the court had granted accelerated hearing in the case. He emphasised the need to conclude the trial swiftly, given that the defendant remains in custody.
The judge ordered the prosecution to close its case within six trial days, barring exceptional circumstances. He then adjourned further hearing to May 28, 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19.
