The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of any involvement in the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

DSS Clears Carpenter After Investigation

Marwana was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on schools in Oriire, where gunmen suspected to be members of the Ansaru terrorist group abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.

However, following a review of his case, the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, ordered his release after investigators reportedly found no evidence linking him to the terrorist group.

A security source familiar with the case told The PUNCH that a DSS panel conducted a thorough investigation into the artisan’s alleged involvement before clearing him.

The source said the investigation established that Marwana, who is originally from Katsina State, was neither a member of any terrorist organisation nor operationally connected to 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.

Receives N3m Compensation

Following his release, the DSS DG also approved an initial N3 million compensation for Marwana.

The source said the payment was intended to help the artisan meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood after his release from custody.

“Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved the payment of initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting livelihood,” the source said.

Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after he was discharged from custody.

According to the source, the freed artisan expressed appreciation to the DSS DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

Lawyer Commends DSS DG

Forgive also commended Ajayi for his intervention and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.

The source said the compensation was part of measures being adopted under the current DSS leadership to assist individuals who are cleared after investigations and support their reintegration into society.

DSS Says Compensation Supports Public Trust

The source further disclosed that Ajayi had previously approved compensation for other individuals who were wrongly affected during security operations or cleared following investigations.

It recalled that in 2016, the DSS DG handed N20 million to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos due to mistaken identity.

The source also cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10 million 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 N300m 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,” it added.

Ansaru Attack Left Two Victims Dead

The Oriire school attack occurred on May 15 when gunmen suspected to be Ansaru terrorists invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in the area.

The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers during the incident.

Two of the victims were subsequently killed, while the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.

Since the incident, security agencies have arraigned several suspects linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Three suspects have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently standing trial.

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