DSS releases carpenter cleared of Oyo school attack, pays N3m compensation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of any involvement in the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Marwana, a Katsina-born artisan, was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on three schools in the area, during which 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted.

A security source familiar with the case said a DSS investigative panel conducted a thorough review of the allegations before establishing that Marwana had no connection with the Ansaru terrorist group blamed for the attack.

According to the source, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to the group’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities.

Following the findings, DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial N3m compensation to support him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood.

Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.

The source said the artisan expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

Forgive also commended the DSS director-general for his intervention and efforts to establish his client’s innocence.

The source said the compensation formed part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.

It cited previous cases involving persons who were compensated after being cleared or affected by security operations, including a Sokoto-based businessman who was reportedly paid N20m in 2016 after being mistakenly shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos.

The source also recalled the case of Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10m compensation in October 2025 following a review of her case.

“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300m as compensation,” the source said.

Meanwhile, suspected Ansaru terrorists attacked Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire on May 15, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two of the victims were 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 attack. Three have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two suspected Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.