Secret Police Frees Cleared Artisan
Nigeria’s Department of State Services has released a Katsina-born carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State, after investigators found no evidence linking him to the attack, and has approved an initial compensation payment of N3 million to help him restart his livelihood.
Director-General Tosin Ajayi ordered the release following a thorough review by a DSS panel that cleared Marwana of any involvement. According to a security source familiar with the case, the panel determined that the artisan was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational ties to the Ansaru group blamed for the May assault on three schools. Investigators found no evidence connecting him to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the group. Marwana was subsequently handed over to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, upon discharge from custody.
The source said Marwana expressed gratitude to the Director-General for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention. Forgive also thanked Ajayi for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence. The compensation forms part of an approach by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigation and to assist their reintegration into society.
Similar gestures under Ajayi’s tenure have included N20 million paid in 2016 to a Sokoto businessman injured in a mistaken-identity raid and N10 million given in October 2025 to an Abuja businesswoman after her case was reviewed. Sources indicate that more than N300 million has been paid in such compensations since Ajayi’s appointment, reflecting an emphasis on balancing security responsibilities with respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.
Gunmen suspected of belonging to Ansaru invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire on 15 May, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers. Two of the victims were killed before the remaining captives were freed on 10 July following a military operation.
Security agencies have since arraigned several suspects linked to the attack before the Federal High Court in Abuja. Three have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, remain on trial.
