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The Department of State Services has released a carpenter arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after investigators found no evidence linking him to the attack.
The carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, was released on the orders of the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, following an investigation into allegations that he was involved in the incident.
A security source familiar with the case said the DSS investigation established that the Katsina-born artisan was neither a member of a 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.
The source added that Ajayi subsequently ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial ₦3 million compensation to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
“Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody,” the source said.
The carpenter reportedly expressed appreciation to the DSS director-general for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
Forgive, who received Marwana after his release, also commended Ajayi for his role in establishing his client’s innocence and approving the compensation.
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The source said the payment was part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
“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,” the source added.
The source also recalled previous cases in which compensation was paid to individuals cleared after security operations or investigations.
The development follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where suspected Ansaru terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two of the victims were killed before the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.
Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the attack. Three have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while other suspects, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.
