No Terror Link: DSS Releases Carpenter, Offers ₦3m Support

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

According to a security source, the decision followed a thorough investigation by a DSS panel, which established that the Katsina-born carpenter 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 Local Government Area of Oyo State. He was subsequently subjected to detailed investigations to determine whether he had any involvement in the activities under investigation.
The source said investigators, after reviewing the case, found no evidence linking Mustapha to the membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of the terrorist group.
Consequently, the DSS DG ordered his immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation to assist him with his immediate needs and enable him to restart his livelihood.
Mustapha was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him following his discharge from custody.
The source said Mustapha expressed appreciation to the DSS DG for what he described as a compassionate and humane intervention. He also prayed for Allah’s guidance and protection for the DSS leadership, saying the gesture had given him an opportunity to rebuild his life.
Oghene Forgive, who received Mustapha upon his release, also thanked the DSS DG for his generosity and commitment to establishing his client’s innocence.
The source added that the compensation was part of measures being adopted by the current DSS leadership to support individuals cleared after investigations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
The source recalled the N20 million compensation paid by the DSS DG to 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 cited the case of an Abuja-based businesswoman, Chineze Ozoadibe, whom the DSS DG ordered released and compensated with N10 million in October 2025 after reviewing her case.
According to the source, since his appointment as DSS DG, Tosin Ajayi has sought to balance national security responsibilities with respect for the rights and dignity of citizens, resulting in the payment of more than N300 million in compensation.
The source added that there were several other instances where DSS investigations established the innocence of individuals, followed by efforts to facilitate their reintegration into society.
“These are the kind of measures through which the Service is strengthening public confidence and building trust,” the source stated.