DSS frees, compensates artisan cleared of Oyo school kidnapping link

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

 

The DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, reportedly ordered Marwana’s release after a panel investigating his alleged involvement in the attack found no evidence linking him to the Ansaru terrorist group blamed for the incident.

 

A security source familiar with the case said the investigation established that the Katsina-born artisan was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational connection with Ansaru.

 

According to the source, the DSS also approved an initial N3 million compensation for Marwana to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood.

 

The source said, “Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group.

 

“Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved the payment of initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting livelihood.”

 

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

 

The source said Marwana expressed appreciation to the DSS DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention, while his lawyer also commended Ajayi for his handling of the case.

 

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

 

The source further claimed that since Ajayi became DSS Director-General, more than N300 million had been paid in compensation in cases where investigations established the innocence of persons detained by the service.

 

Gunmen suspected to be Ansaru terrorists had on May 15 invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

 

Two of the 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 attack, with three already sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges. Others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are standing trial.