Court Hears Shocking Claims of Cannibalism by ESN, Over 170 Security Agents Killed — DSS Testimony in Kanu Terror Trial

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A Department of State Services (DSS) operative told a Federal High Court in Abuja that during a raid on an Eastern Security Network (ESN) hideout, he and his team found armed fighters mutilating human corpses and eating flesh—actions allegedly meant for “spiritual fortification”—while attributing responsibility for the massacre of over 170 security personnel in the Southeast to the group.

Witness “BBB,” a DSS official, testified that seven ESN members were caught with human heads and consuming human flesh, which they claimed boosted their spiritual power during a raid linked to the prosecution of secessionist leader Nnamdi Kanu. This gruesome revelation came amid the terrorism trial, where Kanu stands accused of masterminding violence through IPOB and its militant wing, the ESN.

The witness attributed more than 170 deaths of security operatives—including two from DSS—to coordinated ESN attacks in the Southeast between 2020 and 2025. He alleged these included ambushes and targeted killings of police, military personnel, and DSS officers.

Highlighting the brutality, the witness recounted that an ESN operative, Uzuoma Benjamin—aka Onye Army—confessed to receiving directives from Kanu to kill security personnel. Benjamin also admitted to burying a fallen comrade, Ikonso, with 2,000 human heads, although only 30 were available at the time .

The court heard that the group even used the skulls of ten young girls to prepare charms for protection . This testimony paints a chilling portrait of ritualistic violence that prosecutors believe underscores the severity of ESN’s operations.

Witness BBB also provided insights into the invasion of Owerri prison on Kanu’s orders. He said this directive was issued in one of Kanu’s live broadcasts, urging followers to “kill security operatives.” The DSS struggled to detain Onye Army, with police later reporting his escape from custody.

The court probe extended to alleged illegal radio transmissions. NBC officials reportedly confirmed to DSS that Kanu imported a German-made transmitter without proper licensing, later discovered in Anambra. The device was traced to locations in line with Kanu’s broadcasts .

Under cross-examination, the witness admitted gaps in precise import dates and mobile identities of other actors involved. The trial continues on Thursday, June 19, after Justice James Omotosho dismissed the witness, setting the stage for the next testimony in the high-stakes terrorism case.