The Department of State Services,DSS, has released a Katsina-born carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, and paid him N3 million in initial compensation after clearing him of any involvement in terrorist activities, the agency confirmed on Tuesday.
The release was ordered by the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following the conclusion of a detailed internal investigation into the artisan’s alleged links to the Ansaru terrorist group.
Marwana was initially taken into custody in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. He was subsequently placed under investigation to determine the extent of his involvement, if any, in the incident.
A security source familiar with the matter said a DSS investigation panel conducted a thorough review of the case and found no evidence tying the carpenter to the terrorist network.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.
“Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved the payment of an initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood.”
Also Read: DSS arrests fleeing kidnappers of Nasarawa Varsity don
Marwana was handed over to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, upon his discharge from custody. According to the source, the freed carpenter expressed gratitude to the DG, describing the intervention as “compassionate and humane,” and prayed for divine guidance and protection over the DSS leadership. He said the gesture had given him an opportunity to rebuild his life.
His lawyer, Forgive, also commended the DG for his generosity and for his commitment to establishing Marwana’s innocence.
A Pattern of Compensation
The gesture to Marwana forms part of broader measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and to help them reintegrate into society.
Citing precedents, the source recalled that the DG had earlier authorised a N20 million compensation package for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos in 2016 due to mistaken identity.
In October 2025, the DG also ordered the release of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, and approved a N10 million compensation payment after reviewing her case.
“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Mr. Tosin Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300 million as compensation,” the source stated.
“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 added.
The DSS says the compensation policy reflects a deliberate shift towards balancing robust counter-terrorism operations with respect for civil liberties — a move aimed at reinforcing public confidence in the country’s security architecture.
Crediblenewsng.com
