The Department of State Services (DSS) has released and approved compensation for a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the May 15 kidnapping and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A security source, who spoke to Punch, said the DSS Director-General, Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s release after an investigation found no evidence linking him to the attack.
According to the source, a DSS investigative panel conducted a detailed review of the artisan’s alleged involvement and established that he was neither a member of any terrorist organisation nor connected operationally to the Ansaru terrorist group accused of carrying out the attack.
The investigation reportedly found no evidence of Marwana’s involvement in the group’s membership, financing, logistics or operations.
Following the findings, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation to support him in meeting his immediate needs and rebuilding his livelihood.
Marwana, who hails from Katsina State, was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive.
The development follows the May 15 attack on Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire, where suspected Ansaru terrorists reportedly abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers.
Two victims were killed, while the remaining captives were freed on July 10 following a military operation.
Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over the incident. Three have been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently standing trial.