The Department of State Services ( DSS) has freed a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after an investigation found no evidence linking him to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.

Marwana, a Katsina-born artisan, was arrested in connection with the May 15 attack on three schools in the area, where 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted. Two victims were later killed, while the others regained their freedom on July 10 following a military operation.

According a report by The PUNCH, a security source familiar with the case said a DSS panel conducted a detailed investigation before clearing Marwana of any involvement in the attack or links to the Ansaru terrorist group.

“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,” the source said according to the report.

The source said Marwana expressed gratitude to DSS Director-General Tosin Ajayi for the intervention, while his lawyer also thanked the agency chief for ensuring his client’s release, the report said.

The report quoted the source as saying the compensation formed part of measures introduced by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and help them return to normal life.

The source, the report said, added that Ajayi had approved compensation for other people previously cleared by the service, with more than N300m reportedly paid since his appointment.

“Since his appointment as DSS DG, Ajayi has been balancing national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of over N300m 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 reportedly added.