DSS Takes Fresh Action In Oyo Abduction Case, Releases Suspect With ₦3m Compensation [PHOTO]

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of allegations linking him to terrorist activities.

Marwana, a native of Katsina State, was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

However, a security source disclosed that a detailed investigation by a DSS panel established that the carpenter was not affiliated with any terrorist organisation and had no operational connection to the Ansaru terrorist group.

The development followed a review of Marwana’s case to determine whether he had any involvement in the activities being investigated.

According to the source, investigators found no evidence linking him to the group’s membership, financing, logistics or operational activities.

“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, Ajayi directed that Marwana be released immediately.

The DSS Director-General also approved an initial ₦3 million compensation for the carpenter to help him meet his immediate needs and rebuild his livelihood after his release.

“Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved the payment of initial ₦3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood,” the source stated.

Marwana was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after he was discharged from DSS custody.

The source said the carpenter expressed gratitude to Ajayi for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.

“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.

His lawyer also commended the DSS Director-General, thanking him for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.

The source explained that the compensation formed part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals who are cleared after investigations and help them reintegrate into society.

It added that Ajayi had previously approved compensation for individuals who suffered losses or injuries as a result of mistaken identity or were subsequently cleared of allegations following investigations.

One of the cases involved a businessman from Sokoto who was mistakenly identified during a pre-dawn security operation in Jos in 2016 and was accidentally shot and injured.

According to the source, the DSS Director-General later approved ₦20 million in compensation for the businessman.

The source also recalled the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, whom Ajayi ordered released and awarded ₦10 million compensation in October 2025 following a review of her case.

It said Ajayi had, since assuming office as DSS Director-General, continued to balance the agency’s responsibility to safeguard national security with the protection of citizens’ rights and dignity.

“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 ₦300 million as compensation,” the source said.

The source added that there had been several other instances in which DSS investigations established the innocence of individuals initially suspected of wrongdoing.

“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.