The Department of State Services (DSS) has released and compensated a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation cleared him of allegations linking him to terrorism and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oyo State.
Marwana, a Katsina-born artisan, was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area and investigated over possible links to the Ansaru terrorist group.
However, a review by an investigation panel found no evidence that Marwana was a member of any terrorist organisation or had operational connections with Ansaru.
Following the findings, DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, ordered his immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
According to Channels Television, a security source said investigators examined the extent of Marwana’s possible involvement in the activities under investigation but found no evidence connecting him to the terrorist group’s membership, financing, logistics or operations.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.
The source said the carpenter expressed appreciation to Ajayi 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 said.
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Forgive also thanked the DSS Director-General for what he described as his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
The compensation, according to the source, formed part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to assist individuals cleared after investigations and support their reintegration into society.
The source recalled that Ajayi had previously approved N20 million compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn DSS raid in Jos in 2016 following a case of mistaken identity.
Another case cited was that of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, whom Ajayi ordered released and compensated with N10 million in October 2025 after reviewing her case.
According to the source, Ajayi has since his appointment as DSS Director-General sought to balance the Service’s national security responsibilities with the rights and dignity of citizens cleared of wrongdoing.
The approach, the source said, has resulted in more than N300 million being paid in compensation in various cases.
“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 said.