The Department of State Services has freed a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations found no evidence connecting him to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the incident, was released on the directive of the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, after investigators concluded that he had no links to the attack or the terrorist group accused of carrying it out.
A security source familiar with the case said a DSS investigative panel conducted a detailed review of the allegations against the Katsina-born carpenter before clearing him.
According to the source, the investigation established that Marwana was neither a member of a terrorist organisation nor connected to the Ansaru group allegedly responsible for the attack.
The source said investigators found no evidence indicating that Marwana had financed, supported, provided logistics for or participated in the group’s activities.
Following his clearance, Ajayi reportedly ordered his immediate release and approved an initial compensation of N3 million to help him meet his immediate needs and rebuild his livelihood after his detention.
Marwana was subsequently handed over to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his release from custody.
The source said the carpenter expressed appreciation to the DSS Director-General for what he described as a humane response to his case.
His lawyer also commended the DSS leadership for conducting the investigation and taking steps to establish his client’s innocence.
The compensation is reportedly part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared after investigations and assist them with returning to normal life.
The source cited previous instances where the DSS leadership provided financial assistance to individuals whose cases were reviewed and who were subsequently cleared.
It said such interventions were aimed at balancing national security responsibilities with the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.
The source further claimed that more than N300 million had been paid in compensation in various cases since Ajayi became DSS Director-General.
The Oriire incident occurred on May 15 when suspected Ansaru militants reportedly attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in the area.
The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, with two of the victims later killed.
The remaining captives were eventually rescued on July 10 following a military operation.
Several suspects linked to the incident have since been prosecuted at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three defendants have reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences, while other suspects, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial.
Marwana’s release follows the conclusion of investigations that found no connection between him and the attack.
