In the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a prosecution witness identified as “BBB” testified before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The witness asserted that the Eastern Security Network (ESN), established by Kanu, operates without legal authorization, contrasting it with the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun, which was instituted through legislation by the Houses of Assembly of the six South-West states.
During cross-examination, the defense introduced three video recordings into evidence. One featured the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) advocating for community-based defense initiatives under the supervision of recognized security agencies. Another showed former Defense Minister General Theophilus Danjuma alleging partiality within the armed forces concerning nationwide killings. The third video depicted Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma attributing regional violence to unnamed political actors. When questioned about these statements, the witness maintained that DSS investigations identified IPOB members as responsible for specific incidents in Orlu, Imo State, and emphasized that IPOB remains a proscribed organization with Kanu as a member.
The trial continues to draw attention to the legal distinctions between regional security outfits and the implications of community-based defense mechanisms within Nigeria’s security framework.
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