In the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a Department of State Services (DSS) operative, identified as BBB, testified on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
The DSS asserted that IPOB and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), are not comparable to the South-West regional security outfit, Amotekun.
BBB, serving as the second prosecution witness, stated that Amotekun was legally established by state laws, unlike IPOB and the ESN, which he described as unlawful organizations.
He maintained that neither IPOB nor ESN has any legal foundation, contrasting them with Amotekun which is recognized by law.
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IPOB, a proscribed secessionist group, formed the ESN in December 2020, claiming it was to defend the South-East against attacks from bandits and herdsmen.
During cross-examination by the defense counsel, Paul Erokoro (SAN), BBB acknowledged that killings linked to IPOB had affected a wide range of individuals, including politicians, civilians, and armed forces members.
The defense played a video of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who in the footage, distanced IPOB from certain killings in his state, blaming political actors instead.
BBB confirmed hearing the governor’s statement but clarified he was unsure of the specific incidents Uzodimma referred to, adding that killings by IPOB affect “everyone, not just politicians.”
The court admitted several exhibits presented by the defense, including a certified true copy of the Lagos State Judicial Panel report on EndSARS abuses.
Video clips of public remarks by DSS Director General Adeola Ajayi and former Minister of Defence, Lt. Gen. T.Y. Danjuma (retd.), were also played.
Ajayi called for communities to partner with security agencies in tackling criminality, while Danjuma accused the Armed Forces of collusion with criminals and advised communities not to rely solely on the military for protection.
Justice James Omotosho cautioned both prosecution and defense against delay tactics, emphasizing the need for a swift conclusion to the trial given Kanu’s continued detention.
The judge ordered the prosecution to close its case within six trial days, barring exceptional circumstances, and adjourned further hearings to May 28, 29, and June 6, 16, 18, and 19.
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