DSS tells the IPOB court, ESN cannot be compared to Amotekun

The State Service Department (DSS) on Thursday attracts sharp legal differences between the native Biafra (IPOB) and its paramilitary arms, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and southwest security clothing, Amotekun, in a sustainable trial from the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Testify before the Federal High Court in Abuja as the second prosecutor witness, an operative DSS who was identified in court only as “BBB” confirmed that Amotekun was a valid creation of the Nigerian legal framework, while Ipob and ESN were prohibited and operated outside the legal limits.

“Amotekun was founded by a law ratified by the building of the Southwest State State Assembly Building,” said the witness during the re-examination by the federal government advisor, Awomolo Adegboyega (SAN). “Conversely, ESN is not registered or recognized by law.”

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The witness emphasized that Ipob and ESN did not have legal legitimacy, describing the two as entities that violated the law. Ipob, a separatist group that was banned by the Federal Government in 2017, launched ESN in December 2020, quoting the need to protect the Southeast Community from alleged attacks by criminal elements, including armed shepherd.

Under the cross -examination by legal advisor Paul Erokoro (SAN), Operative DSS links IPOB with many murders in Nigeria, claiming that the impact has been felt by politicians, civilians, and security personnel.

However, the defense presents counter-Naration, playing videos where the Governor of the State of IMO hopes that Uzodimma will keep the iPob away from certain acts of violence. In the recording, Governor Uzodimma suggested that the murder of members of the Key All Progressives (APC) in the Obgeruru community originated from political conflicts, not separatist violence. He noted that there were no members of the Democratic Party (PDP) opposition that had been targeted since the outbreak of violence in the area.

When asked whether he heard the Governor freed IPOB, witnesses DSS replied, “Yes, I heard the Governor’s statement, but I am not sure which incident he meant or scheduled their time. I believe he talked about political murder. Ipob’s actions have a broader impact, they are targeting everyone.”

To support his case, the defender submitted several exhibitions, including copies of certified from the Lagos State Judicial Panel Report on Protest Endstars (PWUO Exhibition), a flash drive containing video evidence (PWP exhibition), and Compliance Certificate (PWI Exhibition).

One of the video clips showed that the Director of DSS General Adeola Ajayi urged the public to work with security institutions, emphasizing that fighting crime could not be achieved by security forces alone. Others showed a speech by the former Defense Minister Lieutenant General Ty Danjuma (Retd.), Who accused the armed forces of Nigeria of COLLECTION with criminal elements and warned Nigerians from not only relying on military protection.

Chief Judge James Omotosho used the trial to warn both the prosecution and defense team against tactics that could extend the trial unnecessary. He reminded them that the case had been given an accelerated hearing and urged all parties to act with urgency, given that the defendant remained in detention.

Judge Omotosho then ordered the prosecution to end his case within six days, except in an extraordinary condition. The trial was postponed to continue on May 28, 29, and 6 June, 16, 18, and 19.

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