The Department of State Services (DSS) has released a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, who was wrongly arrested in connection with the May 15 abduction and killing of pupils and teachers in Oriire, Oyo State.
A security source who spoke to Punch said the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Ajayi, ordered Marwana’s release after an investigation found no evidence linking him to the attack.
According to the source, a DSS panel conducted a thorough investigation into allegations against the Katsina-born artisan before clearing him of any involvement.
The panel reportedly established that Marwana was not a member of any terrorist organisation and had no operational links to the Ansaru terrorist group, which was blamed for the attack.
“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 his livelihood,” the source said.
Marwana was subsequently released to his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, following his discharge from custody.
The carpenter had been detained following the May 15 attack, when gunmen suspected to be Ansaru terrorists invaded Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery/Primary School and L.A. Primary School in Oriire.
The attackers abducted 39 pupils and seven teachers, while two of the victims were reportedly killed. The remaining captives were eventually freed on July 10 following a military operation.
Several suspects linked to the attack have since been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Three of the suspects have reportedly been sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to terrorism-related charges, while others, including two alleged Ansaru commanders, are currently standing trial.