The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mr Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of allegations linking him to terrorist activities.
According to a statement issued by the DSS, the decision followed a thorough review of Marwana’s case by a DSS investigation panel, which established that the Katsina-born carpenter was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links with the Ansaru terrorist group.
Marwana was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He was subsequently subjected to extensive investigations to determine the extent, if any, of his involvement in the activities under investigation.
“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 an initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood.
“Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody,” the statement read in part.
Marwana, who was received by his lawyer upon release, expressed appreciation to the DSS Director-General for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
Building Public Trust
The DSS said the compensation formed part of measures introduced by the current leadership of the Service to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The Service recalled that Ajayi approved N20 million compensation for a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn operation in Jos in 2016 following a case of mistaken identity.
The DSS also cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Mrs Chineze Ozoadibe, whose release was ordered by the Director-General after a review of her case in October 2025. She was subsequently awarded N10 million compensation.
According to the Service, since he was appointed Director-General, Ajayi has sought to balance national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of more than N300 million in compensation to affected individuals.
