DSS releases, compensates carpenter cleared of Oyo school abduction

The Department of State Services has released and compensated 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, who was arrested in connection with the incident, was released following an order by the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi.

A security source familiar with the case said a DSS investigative panel conducted a thorough review of the artisan’s alleged involvement before concluding that he had no connection to the attack.

According to the source, the panel also established that Marwana, a native of Katsina State, was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links with the Ansaru terrorist group allegedly responsible for the attack.

“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 the DSS DG approved an initial N3m compensation for Marwana to assist him with his immediate needs and enable him to restart his livelihood.

Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive.

The source said the carpenter expressed appreciation to the DSS DG for what he described as a compassionate intervention, while his lawyer also thanked Ajayi for ensuring that his client’s innocence was established.

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

The source recalled that Ajayi had, in 2016, approved N20m compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was mistakenly shot and injured during a pre-dawn security raid in Jos.

It also cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10m compensation in October 2025 after the DSS reviewed 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, gunmen suspected to be members of Ansaru invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire on May 15.

The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, two of whom were reportedly killed before the remaining victims were rescued on July 10 following a military operation.

Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja in connection with the attack.

Three suspects have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.