DSS Releases Carpenter After Probe Clears Him of Ansaru Links, Pays N3m Compensation
DSS Releases Carpenter After Probe Clears Him of Ansaru Links, Pays N3m Compensation
The Department of State Services has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation cleared him of alleged links to the Ansaru terrorist group.
The release was ordered by the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following a review of Marwana’s case by an investigation panel, according to a security source.
Marwana, who hails from Katsina State, 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 investigation to determine whether he had any involvement in the activities under investigation.
The investigation, however, found no evidence linking him to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of Ansaru, the source said.
“Following the review, investigators found no evidence linking the carpenter to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group,” the source stated.
Following the findings, Ajayi ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial compensation of N3 million to assist him with his immediate needs and enable him to restart his livelihood.
Marwana was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from DSS custody.
The source said Marwana expressed appreciation to the DSS leadership for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention.
“He prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection of the DSS leadership, stating that the gesture has given him an opportunity to rebuild his life,” the source added.
Forgive also commended the DSS Director-General for the decision to release his client and provide financial assistance after the investigation established his innocence.
According to the source, the compensation forms part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The source cited previous cases in which the DSS provided compensation to individuals affected by mistaken identity or detention.
It recalled the N20 million compensation reportedly paid to a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured during a pre-dawn DSS operation in Jos in 2016.
It also cited the case of Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe, who was released and paid N10 million in compensation in October 2025 after the DSS reviewed her case.
The source said that, since Ajayi became DSS Director-General, the Service had paid more than N300 million in compensation to individuals whose cases were reviewed and who were subsequently cleared.
“There are many more instances where DSS investigations have established innocence and have been followed by efforts to facilitate reintegration,” the source said.
“These are the kind of measures through which the Service is strengthening public confidence and building trust,” it added.
By TimesNG