The Department of State Services has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation found no evidence connecting him to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to The PUNCH, Marwana, a native of Katsina State, was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on three schools in the area.
A security source familiar with the case said the DSS conducted an investigation into the artisan’s alleged involvement before clearing him of any connection with the incident.
According to the source, the investigation found that Marwana was neither a member of any terrorist organisation nor linked operationally to the Ansaru group accused of carrying out the attack.
“Investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
Following the outcome of the investigation, DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, reportedly directed that Marwana be released and approved an initial N3m compensation for him.
The source said the money was intended to help the carpenter meet his immediate needs and rebuild his livelihood after his release.
Marwana was released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from detention.
The source quoted Marwana as expressing appreciation to the DSS Director-General for what he described as a compassionate response to his case.
His lawyer also commended Ajayi, thanking him for his intervention and efforts to establish his client’s innocence.
The source said the compensation was part of measures under the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared after investigations and assist them in returning to normal life.
It further claimed that the DSS had paid more than N300m in compensation in various cases involving individuals who were subsequently found not to have committed the offences for which they were investigated or detained.
The source cited previous cases involving a Sokoto businessman who reportedly received N20m compensation in 2016 after being mistakenly shot during a security raid in Jos, and an Abuja businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and reportedly paid N10m in October 2025 after a review of her case.
“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens,” the source said.
The source added that such interventions were helping the Service improve public confidence and strengthen its relationship with citizens.
The development follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where suspected Ansaru terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two of the victims were killed, while the remaining captives were rescued on July 10 during a military operation.
Several suspects have since been brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged involvement in the attack.
Three suspects have reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial.
