Oriire abduction: DSS clears carpenter of Ansaru link, orders release, N3m compensation

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation cleared him of any involvement in the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Marwana had been arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on three schools in the area, but a review of the case by DSS investigators reportedly found no evidence linking him to the Ansaru terrorist group accused of carrying out the attack.

A security source familiar with the investigation said the decision to release Marwana followed a comprehensive review of the allegations against him.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to publicly discuss the case, said investigators examined Marwana’s alleged links to the attack and found that the Katsina-born carpenter had no operational connection with Ansaru.

According to the source, the investigation found no evidence that Marwana belonged to any terrorist organisation or had participated in financing, providing logistics or supporting the operations of the group.

“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source said.

DSS DG orders release

Following the conclusion of the investigation, DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi reportedly directed that Marwana be released.

The source said Ajayi also approved an initial N3 million compensation package for the carpenter to help him meet his immediate needs and rebuild his livelihood following his detention and the disruption caused by the investigation.

Marwana reportedly expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership for what he described as a compassionate intervention after being cleared of the allegations.

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His lawyer also commended Ajayi, thanking the DSS director-general for intervening in the case and ensuring that his client’s alleged involvement was subjected to further scrutiny.

The release raises broader questions about the consequences of mistaken suspicion in counter-terrorism investigations, particularly where individuals are arrested in the aftermath of attacks involving terrorist organisations.

What happened in Oriire?

The case dates back to May 15, when gunmen suspected of being members of Ansaru attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School.

The attackers abducted pupils and teachers during the incident.

Two of the victims were subsequently killed, while the remaining captives were eventually freed on July 10 following a military operation.

The attack triggered a major security response, with intelligence and law-enforcement agencies launching investigations into the identities, networks and activities of those suspected of planning or executing the abduction.

Several suspects have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged involvement in the incident and related terrorism offences.

Three suspects have reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges.

Other suspects remain on trial, including two individuals accused of being commanders of Ansaru.

Against this backdrop, Marwana’s release after investigators found no evidence linking him to the terrorist network underscores the distinction between individuals initially suspected of involvement and those against whom evidence can ultimately be established.

Compensation after exoneration

The N3 million payment approved for Marwana is also being presented by the DSS as part of a broader approach by the current leadership towards individuals who are cleared after security investigations.

According to the source, the Service has, in previous cases, provided financial assistance to people whose cases were reviewed and who were subsequently found not to have been involved in alleged offences.