The Department of State Services (DSS) has released and compensated a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation cleared him of allegations linking him to terrorist activities and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Marwana, a native of Katsina State, was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA and subjected to investigation to determine whether he had any involvement in the incident.
However, a review by an investigation panel found no evidence linking him to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the Ansaru terrorist group.
A security source said the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s immediate release following the findings of the investigation.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
Following his clearance, Ajayi also approved an initial N3 million compensation for Marwana to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
The carpenter was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.
The source said Marwana expressed appreciation to the DSS Director-General for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
“He prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection of the DSS leadership, stating that the gesture has given him an opportunity to rebuild his life,” the source added.
His lawyer also thanked the DSS DG for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
According to the source, the compensation is part of measures adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The source recalled that Ajayi had previously approved N20 million compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured in 2016 during a pre-dawn raid in Jos following a case of mistaken identity.
The DSS leadership also cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and compensated with N10 million in October 2025 after the DSS reviewed her case.
The source said that since his appointment as DSS Director-General, Ajayi had sought to balance national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens.
According to the source, the approach had resulted in the payment of more than N300 million in compensation to individuals cleared after investigations.
“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 said.
The development highlights the importance of thorough investigations in national security cases, particularly where individuals are accused of links to terrorist organisations or serious criminal activities.
Marwana’s release and compensation followed the conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to establish any connection between him and the Ansaru terrorist group or the activities under investigation.