DSS Frees, Compensates Artisan Cleared of Oyo School Kidnapping Link

The Department of State Services has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was arrested over the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.

The Director-General of the service, Tosin Ajayi, ordered his release after investigators cleared him of any connection to the attack.

A security source familiar with the case said a DSS panel conducted a thorough investigation into Marwana’s alleged involvement before clearing him.

The panel reportedly found that the Katsina-born artisan was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational ties to the Ansaru terrorist 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,” the source said.

Following the findings, the DSS DG ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation payment to assist him with his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.

Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.

The source said Marwana thanked the DSS DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

Forgive also thanked the DG for his generosity and efforts toward establishing his client’s innocence.

The compensation is reportedly part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support people cleared after investigations and assist with their reintegration into society.

The source recalled that Ajayi had, in 2016, awarded N20 million in compensation to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos following a case of mistaken identity.

The source also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, whom Ajayi ordered released and paid N10 million in compensation in October 2025 after reviewing her case.

The source said that since Ajayi became DSS Director-General, the agency had paid more than N300 million in compensation to individuals cleared during investigations.

“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens,” the source said.

Meanwhile, gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two victims were killed before the remaining captives regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.

Security agencies have since arraigned several suspects linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three convicts have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two suspected Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.