The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State after investigations found no evidence linking him to the attack.
The carpenter, identified as Mustapha Marwana, was released following an order by the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, after investigators determined that he had no operational connection with the terrorist group, Ansaru.
According to a security source familiar with the case, investigations found no evidence that Marwana was a member of a terrorist organisation or involved in the group’s 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.
Following the findings, the DSS Director-General reportedly ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial ₦3 million compensation to assist him with his immediate needs and help him restart his livelihood.
Marwana was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive.
The carpenter reportedly expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership for what he described as a humane intervention and for taking steps to establish his innocence.
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His lawyer also commended the DSS Director-General for ensuring that his client was released after the investigation cleared him of any connection to the terrorist group.
The security source said the compensation was part of measures being implemented by the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared following investigations and assist them in returning to normal life.
The source further claimed that since Ajayi became DSS Director-General, the Service had paid more than ₦300 million in compensation to individuals cleared after investigations or security operations.
The development comes months after suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State on May 15.
During the attack, 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted, while two victims were reportedly killed before the remaining captives were rescued on July 10 following a military operation.
Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the incident. Three suspects were sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while other defendants, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial.
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