DSS frees, compensates artisan cleared of Oyo school kidnapping link

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released Mustapha Marwana, a carpenter arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State. Director-General Tosin Ajayi ordered Marwana's release after investigators found no evidence linking him to the terrorist group Ansaru or any terrorist organization.

A security source confirmed that a DSS panel conducted a thorough investigation and found Marwana to be innocent. The panel concluded that Marwana was not a member of any terrorist organization and had no operational ties to Ansaru. As a result, the DSS DG approved the payment of N3 million in compensation to assist Marwana in restarting his livelihood.

Marwana expressed gratitude to the DSS DG for his compassionate and humane intervention. The compensation follows a precedent set by the current DSS leadership, which has been paying compensation to persons cleared after investigations since 2016. The DSS DG has made efforts to balance national security responsibilities with respect for citizens' rights and dignity, resulting in the payment of over N300 million in compensation.

Several suspects linked to the Oriire attack have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with three already sentenced to life imprisonment and others, including two Ansaru commanders, standing trial.