The Department of State Services has released Mustapha Marwana, a carpenter from Katsina State, after an internal investigation cleared him of any connection to the abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Marwana had been detained over suspected links to Ansaru, the terrorist group blamed for the May 15 attack on three schools in the Ogbomoso axis of Oyo State — Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School, and L.A. Primary School — in which 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted. Two victims, including a teacher, were killed before the remaining captives were freed on July 10 following a military operation.
A DSS panel reviewing the case found no evidence linking Marwana to the group's membership, financing, logistics, or operations. Following the review, DSS Director-General Oluwatosin Ajayi ordered his immediate release and approved an initial ₦3 million compensation payment to help him meet his immediate needs and restart his livelihood. He was handed over to his lawyer.
A security source said the DSS has made similar payments in other cases of mistaken identity, citing an October 2025 case in which an Abuja businesswoman wrongfully arrested over suspected oil bunkering received ₦10 million in compensation after her release. Several suspects linked to the Oriire attack have already been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja, with three sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty.