The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigators found no evidence linking him to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Marwana, a Katsina-born artisan, was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on three schools in the area, during which 46 pupils and teachers were abducted.
His release was ordered by the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, following a review of the case by a panel constituted by the security agency.
According to an anonymous security source quoted by PUNCH newspaper, the investigation established that Marwana was neither a member of a terrorist organisation nor operationally connected to Ansaru, the terrorist group blamed for the attack.
The source added that investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to the group’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
The DSS subsequently approved an initial N3 million compensation for Marwana to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood after his release.
The source said Marwana was handed over to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, after being discharged from custody.
Marwana reportedly expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
His lawyer also commended the DSS director-general for what he described as his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
The N3 million payment, according to the source, is part of measures introduced under the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and to assist them in reintegrating into society.
The source cited previous cases in which compensation was reportedly paid to individuals who were wrongly affected by security operations.
It recalled that Ajayi, in 2016, handed N20 million to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos after security operatives mistook him for another person.
The source also mentioned the case of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released in October 2025 after Ajayi reviewed her case. She was also reportedly paid N10 million as compensation.
“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300 million as compensation,” the source added.
“There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration. These are the kind of measures through which the Service is strengthening public confidence and building trust.”
The development comes nearly three months after suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked three schools in Oriire.
The gunmen invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two of the victims were subsequently killed, while the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.
Security agencies have since brought several suspects allegedly linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Three of the suspects have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while other suspects, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently standing trial.
