The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of alleged links to terrorist activities.
According to a security source, Marwana’s release followed an extensive investigation by a DSS panel, which established that the Katsina-born carpenter was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational connection with the Ansaru terrorist group.
Marwana was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He was subsequently subjected to further investigation to determine whether he had any involvement in the activities under investigation.
“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 stated.
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.
Oghene Forgive, who received Marwana following his release, also thanked the DSS Director-General for his generosity and efforts towards establishing his client’s innocence.
According to the source, the compensation formed part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared following investigations and assist them with reintegration into society.
The source recalled that the DSS Director-General previously approved N20 million in compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured in 2016 during a pre-dawn raid in Jos after being mistaken for another person.
The source also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, whose release was ordered by the DSS Director-General in October 2025, alongside N10 million in compensation, after a review of her case.
According to the source, “since his appointment as DSS DG, Mr. Tosin Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300 million 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 declared.