The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation found no evidence linking him to the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
A security source familiar with the case said a DSS review panel investigated Marwana’s alleged involvement and found no evidence that he belonged to or supported Ansaru, the terrorist group blamed for the attack.
According to the source, the investigation found no link between the Katsina-born artisan and the group’s financing, logistics, or operations.
Following the findings, DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi ordered Marwana’s release and approved an initial N3 million payment to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive.
The source said the compensation was part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and assist their reintegration into society.
The DSS has reportedly paid more than N300 million in compensation in over 30 cases involving individuals cleared of alleged links to terrorist or proscribed groups.
The development comes against the backdrop of the May 15 attack on three schools in Oriire, where suspected Ansaru terrorists abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
The victims were held for 56 days before security forces secured their release on July 10. The Presidency said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation, while some terrorists were neutralized. No ransom or concession was reportedly made for the victims’ release.
Several suspects have since faced terrorism-related charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three suspects were sentenced to life imprisonment in July after pleading guilty to offences linked to the attack.
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