Department of State Services, has described the Eastern Security Network, a armed wing of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, as an illegal organisation.

DSS led this out on Thursday, at the resumed trial of the detained leader of the IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Recall that Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism and treasonable felony allegations, which was leveled against him by Federal Government.

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Meanwhile, the second prosecution witness in the case, who is a DSS official, while being re-axamined by FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, maintained that ESN, which was established by the defendant, is an unlawful organization that lacked the backing of the law.

The witness, identified as ‘BBB’, told court that unlike the ESN, the DSS accorded recognition to Amotekun, which operates in the South West region of the country.

He clarified that Amotekun, whose members also carry arms, was formed with the support of Houses of Assembly of the six states that made up the South West region.

He said: “My lord, while the ESN is not a registered organization recognized by law, Amotekun was established following the law passed by the respective Houses of Assembly in the affected States.”

Earlier during the hearing, defence counsel Paul Erokoro (SAN) tendered three video recordings contained in a flash drive, which the court admitted into evidence.

In one of the recordings, the DG of the DSS was seen speaking at a public event where he encouraged communities to create a first line of defence against bandits and other external threats.

He was heard saying: “The practical approach to mobilising people is to get everyone involved. It is impossible for the security agencies to deploy to every part of the country.

“What we need to do is to make communities set up a first line of defence. We have to allow some level of armament for the communities to rise and defend themselves first, but under the guidance and approval of security agencies. The time to start it is now.”

Another video played in court showed former Defence Minister, General Theophilus Danjuma, speaking at a public forum.

In the footage, Danjuma alleged that some members of the armed forces were not neutral in the ongoing killings across the country.

Upon identification of Danjuma as the speaker, Erokoro asked the witness to comment on the implication of Danjuma’s remarks.

The witness declined, stating that Erokoro should direct such a question to Danjuma himself.

Before adjourning proceedings for the day, Justice James Omotosho directed the prosecution to conclude its case within six days and allocated nine days for the defence to present its argument.

Following an agreement by the parties, the judge adjourned further hearings to 28 and 29 May, and 6, 16, 18 and 19 June.