The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Mustapha Marwana, a carpenter who was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
Marwana was released on the orders of the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, after investigators found no evidence linking him to the attack or the Ansaru terrorist group allegedly responsible for the incident.
A security source familiar with the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a DSS investigative panel conducted a thorough review of Marwana’s alleged involvement before clearing him.
According to the source, the investigation established that the Katsina-born artisan was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational relationship with Ansaru.
“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 source added that the DSS DG subsequently ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial payment of ₦3 million in compensation to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
Marwana was released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from DSS custody.
The source said Marwana expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
Forgive also commended the DSS director-general for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
The compensation is reportedly part of measures being implemented by the current DSS leadership to assist individuals who are cleared after investigations and support their reintegration into society.
The source recalled that Ajayi, in 2016, had handed ₦20 million in compensation to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot and injured during a pre-dawn security raid in Jos.
The source also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid ₦10 million in compensation in October 2025 after the DSS reviewed her case.
“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 ₦300 million as compensation,” the source said.
“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 Oriire incident occurred on May 15 when gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in the area.
The attackers reportedly abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers. Two of the victims were killed, while the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.
Following the incident, security agencies arraigned several suspects before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged links to the attack.
Three of the suspects have reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while other defendants, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are still standing trial.
