Headlines:
DSS Releases, Compensates Artisan Cleared Of Oyo School Kidnapping Link
A security source said investigators found no evidence linking him to the terrorist group’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities.
Silhouette Illustration Of DSS Officials
The Department of State Services (DSS) has released and compensated a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation cleared him of allegations linking him to terrorist activities and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The release was ordered by the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following a review by an investigation panel which established that the Katsina-born artisan was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links with the Ansaru terrorist group.
According to a security source, Mustapha was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA and was subjected to investigation to determine the extent, if any, of his involvement in the activities under investigation.
The source said investigators found no evidence linking him to the terrorist group’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities.
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“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 DG ordered his immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood.
Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from custody.
The source said Mustapha expressed appreciation to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention, adding that he prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection for the DSS leadership.
“He prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection of the DSS leadership, stating that the gesture has given him an opportunity to rebuild his life,” the source said.
Forgive also thanked the DSS DG for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
The source said the compensation formed part of measures adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
It recalled that Ajayi had previously approved N20 million compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured in 2016 during a pre-dawn raid in Jos following a case of mistaken identity.
The source also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, whom the DSS DG ordered released and compensated with N10 million in October 2025 after reviewing her case.
According to the source, since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has sought to balance national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of more than N300 million in compensation.
“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.
