The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigators found no evidence linking him to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State
The DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s release after a panel reviewed the allegations against him and cleared him of involvement in the attack
A security source familiar with the case said the investigation found no evidence that the Katsina-born artisan belonged to a terrorist organisation or had operational links to the Ansaru terrorist group
The DSS also approved an initial ₦3 million compensation for Marwana to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood after his release
According to the source, investigators examined Marwana’s alleged connection to the attack before reaching their decision
The investigation reportedly found no evidence linking him to Ansaru’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities
The source said the findings led the DSS Director-General to order Marwana’s immediate release
Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody
The source said Marwana thanked the DSS Director-General for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention
His lawyer also thanked Ajayi for his role in reviewing the case and establishing his client’s innocence
The compensation forms part of measures adopted by the current DSS leadership to support people who investigators clear after security investigations
According to the source, the financial assistance aims to help cleared individuals return to their normal lives and rebuild their livelihoods
The source also cited previous cases involving compensation to people whom the DSS later cleared
It said Ajayi handed ₦20 million in compensation to a Sokoto-based businessman in 2016 after he suffered a gunshot injury during a pre-dawn raid in Jos that resulted from mistaken identity
The source also recalled the case of Chineze Ozoadibe, an Abuja-based businesswoman whom the DSS released and compensated with ₦10 million in October 2025 after reviewing her case
The source claimed that the DSS has paid more than ₦300 million in compensation since Ajayi became Director-General
It said such measures form part of efforts to balance national security responsibilities with the rights and dignity of citizens
What Happened in Oriire?
The development follows the abduction of pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire, Oyo State
Gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School on May 15
The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, according to the account provided by the security source
Two of the victims were killed before the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation
The attack triggered investigations by security agencies and led to the arrest and prosecution of several suspects
Suspects Face Terrorism Charges
Security agencies have since taken several suspects linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja
Three convicts have already received life imprisonment sentences after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges
Other suspects, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial
The release of Marwana therefore follows a separate investigation that cleared him of any connection to the terrorist group or the school attack
Balancing Security and Citizens’ Rights
The DSS decision highlights the importance of thorough investigations in cases involving terrorism and serious security threats
Security agencies must identify those responsible for attacks while ensuring that people who investigators find innocent do not remain in custody without sufficient evidence
For Marwana, the release and compensation offer an opportunity to rebuild his life after the investigation
For the DSS, the case also presents an example of how security operations can combine national security objectives with measures aimed at protecting citizens’ rights
The central question now is whether such compensation and reintegration measures can strengthen public confidence while security agencies continue the difficult task of identifying and prosecuting those responsible for terrorist attacks.
