By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, after investigations cleared him of any involvement in the incident.

Sources familiar with the case disclosed that the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s release after a comprehensive review established that he had no links to the attackers or any terrorist organisation.

According to a security source, a special DSS investigative panel conducted an extensive probe into allegations against the Katsina-born artisan and found no evidence connecting him to the Ansaru terrorist group, which was blamed for the attack on the schools.

“The review revealed no proof that Marwana was involved in the financing, logistics, membership, or operational activities of the terrorist group. Following the findings, the Director-General directed his immediate release and approved an initial compensation of ₦3 million to help him rebuild his life and meet immediate needs,” the source said.

Marwana was subsequently handed over to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, after his discharge from custody. The source added that the artisan expressed gratitude to the DSS leadership for what he described as a humane and compassionate intervention following the conclusion of investigations.

His lawyer also commended the DSS Director-General for ensuring a thorough review of the case and for taking steps to establish his client’s innocence before authorising his release.

The source explained that the compensation forms part of a broader policy under the current DSS leadership aimed at supporting individuals cleared after investigations and facilitating their reintegration into society.

The official recalled that Ajayi had previously approved compensation for persons adversely affected by intelligence operations. One such case involved a Sokoto-based businessman who received ₦20 million after being mistakenly shot during a pre-dawn operation in Jos. Another involved Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and compensated with ₦10 million in October 2025 after a review of her case.

“Since assuming office, the Director-General has sought to balance national security imperatives with the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity. More than ₦300 million has been paid as compensation in deserving cases where investigations established innocence or operational errors were identified,” the source stated.

The source further noted that such measures were intended to strengthen public confidence in the DSS and reinforce trust in its commitment to justice, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.

The Oriire school attack occurred on May 15 when suspected Ansaru terrorists stormed Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two of the victims were killed during captivity before the remaining hostages were rescued on July 10 in a military operation. Since then, security agencies have prosecuted several suspects linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three defendants have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offences, while several others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial