MNK Trial: ESN Is an Illegal Organisation, DSS Tells Court

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 Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is operating unlawfully. This statement was made during the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu before Justice James Omotosho.

A DSS officer identified as BBB testified that the ESN lacks legal backing, unlike other regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South-West. The officer made the statement while being re-examined by the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awolowo, SAN. In contrast to ESN, the witness noted that Amotekun was formally established by laws passed in the Houses of Assembly across six southwestern states, giving it legitimacy.

IPOB had launched the ESN in December 2020, claiming it was a response to targeted attacks on Igbo communities by suspected bandits and herdsmen. However, the DSS maintains that ESN was created without following any legal framework.

During the cross-examination by defence counsel Paul Erokoro, SAN, the court admitted several pieces of evidence presented by the defence, including a Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Lagos State Judicial Panel report on restitution for victims of #EndSARS, as well as a flash drive and a certificate of compliance. These were marked as exhibits PWUO, PWP, and PWI respectively.

The court adjourned further hearings to May 28 and 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19 for the continuation of the prosecution’s case.