Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after he was cleared of all allegations linking him to terrorist activities.
A security source close to the service confirmed that Marwana’s release followed a thorough investigation by a DSS panel, which established that the Katsina-born artisan held no membership or operational ties with the Ansaru terrorist group.
Marwana had been 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 rigorous scrutiny to determine the extent of any 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,” the source stated.
“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.”
Speaking after his release, Marwana expressed profound gratitude to the DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention. He offered prayers for Allah’s guidance and protection over the DSS leadership, noting that the gesture had given him a fresh opportunity to rebuild his life.
His solicitor, Oghene Forgive, also thanked the Director-General for his generosity and dedication to establishing Marwana’s innocence.
The source added that the compensation formed part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The source recalled a previous instance where the DSS DG handed N20 million compensation to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn raid in Jos in 2016 due to mistaken identity. Similarly, in October 2025, an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, was released and paid N10 million after her case was reviewed.
According to the source, “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.
“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 declared.
