DSS Releases, Compensates Artisan Cleared of Links With Terrorists

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, has ordered the immediate release of a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was cleared of allegations linking him to terrorist activities.

According to a security source, the release followed a thorough investigation of his case by a DSS investigation panel, which established that Katsina -born Mustapha is not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links with the Ansaru terrorist group.

Mustapha was arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire LGA, Oyo State. He was subsequently subjected to thorough investigation to establish the extent, if any, of his involvement in the activities under investigation, offered the source.

“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 initial N3 million as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting livelihood.

“Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody,” stated the source.

Continuing, the source said Mustapha expressed appreciation to the DG 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 stated.

Oghene Forgive, who received Mustapha upon his release also thanked the DG for his generosity and dedication to establishing Mustapha’s innocence.

The source added that the compensation was part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support persons cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.

The source recalled the N20 million compensation the DSS DG handed a Sokoto-based businessman who was accidentally shot and injured in 2016, during a pre-dawn raid in Jos due to mistaken identity.

He also recalled the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe the DG ordered her released and paid N10 million as compensation in October 2025 after reviewing her case.

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.