DSS Releases Carpenter Wrongly Accused and Arrested Over Oyo School Abduction

By Gloria Drealomalicha

The Department of State Services has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was arrested in connection with the May 15 abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Marwana was released after an investigation by the secret police found no evidence linking him to the attack or the Ansaru terrorist group allegedly responsible for the incident.

A security source said the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s release after a panel constituted to investigate his alleged involvement cleared him of any wrongdoing.

According to the source, the investigation established that the Katsina-born artisan was neither a member of any terrorist organisation nor connected to Ansaru’s operations.
“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 an initial N3m as compensation to assist him in meeting his immediate needs and restarting his livelihood,” the source said.

Marwana was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, who received him after his discharge from DSS custody.

The carpenter’s release comes amid ongoing investigations and prosecutions arising from the deadly attack on schools in Oriire.

On May 15, gunmen suspected to be Ansaru terrorists invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in the area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers.

Two of the victims were reportedly killed, while the remaining captives were rescued on July 10 following a military operation.

Several suspects allegedly linked to the attack have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Three of the suspects have already been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently standing trial.