The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of any involvement in the deadly abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
Marwana, who was detained over alleged links to the attack blamed on Ansaru terrorists, regained his freedom following an order by the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, after investigators found no evidence connecting him to the crime.
A security source familiar with the case disclosed that a DSS investigative panel conducted a detailed probe into the allegations against the Katsina-born artisan before concluding that he had no ties to any terrorist group.
According to the source, the investigation established that Marwana was neither a member of Ansaru nor involved in financing, providing logistics, or taking part in the operations of the group.
The source said the DSS boss subsequently directed his immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation package to help him recover from the ordeal and restart his livelihood.
Marwana was released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after he was discharged from DSS custody.
The source added that the freed artisan expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate intervention, while his lawyer also commended the DSS chief for ensuring that his client’s innocence was recognised.
The compensation, according to the source, forms part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared after investigations and assist their return to normal life.
The source further recalled that Ajayi had previously approved compensation for victims of mistaken identity, including a Sokoto businessman who received N20 million after he was accidentally shot during a pre-dawn security operation in Jos in 2016.
The DSS chief was also said to have ordered the release and payment of N10 million compensation to Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, in October 2025 after a review of her case.
The source claimed that since Ajayi assumed office as DSS Director-General, more than N300 million had been paid as compensation to persons cleared after investigations, as part of efforts to balance national security duties with citizens’ rights.
“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 source added.
The development followed the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where gunmen suspected to be Ansaru terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two victims were killed during the incident, while the remaining captives were rescued on July 10 after a military operation.
Following the attack, security agencies charged several suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Three suspects have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently facing trial.
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