DSS releases, pays N3m compensation to carpenter cleared of Oyo school kidnap link – The Witness Nigeria

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

Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on schools in the area, was freed following an order by the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi.

A security source familiar with the case said a panel constituted by the service conducted a thorough investigation into the carpenter’s alleged involvement before clearing him.

According to the source, the investigation established that Marwana, who hails from Katsina State, was neither a member of any terrorist organisation nor linked operationally to Ansaru, the group blamed for the attack.

“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group.

“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.

“Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody,” the source said.

The source said Marwana expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

Forgive, who received his client after his release, also commended the DSS director-general for his intervention and efforts towards establishing Marwana’s innocence.

The N3 million payment, according to the source, forms part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and assist them in returning to normal life.

The source recalled that Ajayi, in 2016, had facilitated a N20 million compensation payment to a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot and injured during a pre-dawn security operation in Jos.

It also cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10 million in compensation 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, resulting in the payment of over N300m as compensation.

“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 follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two of the victims were reportedly killed before the remaining captives were freed on July 10 following a military operation.

Security agencies have since arraigned several suspects allegedly connected 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.