The Department of State Services has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of alleged links to terrorist activities.
The DSS Director-General, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, also approved an initial N3 million compensation for Marwana to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
A security source said Marwana, who is from Katsina State, was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
According to the source, a DSS investigation panel conducted a thorough review of the case and found no evidence linking Marwana to any terrorist organisation or operational activities of the Ansaru terrorist group.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
The source added that Ajayi subsequently ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved the compensation, which was intended to support his reintegration into society.
Marwana was released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.
The carpenter reportedly expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention, saying the gesture had given him an opportunity to rebuild his life.
Forgive also thanked the DSS Director-General for his intervention and efforts to establish his client’s innocence.
The source said the compensation was part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
It recalled that the DSS had previously paid N20 million in compensation to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a 2016 pre-dawn raid in Jos following a case of mistaken identity.
The source also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10 million in compensation in October 2025 after the DSS reviewed her case.
According to the source, Ajayi has, since assuming office as DSS Director-General, paid more than N300 million in compensation while balancing national security responsibilities with respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.
“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.
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