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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

DSS Releases, Compensates Carpenter Cleared of Terrorist Links

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Department of State Services (DSS) released Katsina carpenter Mustapha Marwana after investigations cleared him of links to terrorist activities.
  • The DSS Director-General ordered Marwana's release and approved an initial compensation of N3 million after a review found no evidence of involvement with the Ansaru terrorist group.
  • This compensation is part of a new DSS initiative to support individuals cleared after investigations and aid their reintegration into society.

Mustapha Marwana, a carpenter from Katsina, has been released by the Department of State Services (DSS) after a thorough investigation cleared him of allegations connecting him to terrorist activities. The decision to release Marwana and provide compensation was personally ordered by the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, following a review by a dedicated investigation panel.

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

— Security SourceA security source detailed the findings of the DSS investigation into Mustapha Marwana's case.

Marwana was initially arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oyo State. The subsequent investigation aimed to determine the extent of his involvement, but the panel found no evidence linking him to the membership, financing, logistics, or operational activities of the Ansaru terrorist group. This lack of evidence led to the order for his immediate release.

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.

— Security SourceA security source described the actions taken by the DSS Director-General after the investigation.

Beyond his release, the DSS has approved an initial compensation of N3 million for Marwana. This payment is intended to assist him with immediate needs and help him restart his livelihood. Marwana, through his lawyer Oghene Forgive, expressed gratitude for the compassionate intervention, viewing it as an opportunity to rebuild his life. The DSS stated that this compensation is part of a broader measure by the current leadership to support individuals who are cleared after investigations, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody.

— Security SourceA security source confirmed Mustapha Marwana's release to his legal representative.

This initiative echoes previous actions by the DSS leadership. The source recalled a N20 million compensation paid to a Sokoto businessman injured in 2016 due to mistaken identity and a N10 million compensation to Abuja businesswoman Chineze Ozoadibe in October 2025 after her case was reviewed. According to the source, Director-General Ajayi has been balancing national security with respect for citizens' rights, disbursing over N300 million in such cases.

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.

— Security SourceA security source relayed Mustapha Marwana's reaction to the DSS's actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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