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Human Rights Activist Commends DSS DG Over Release, Compensation Of Carpenter
By Hassan Agboola
A human rights activist and lawyer, Hamza N. Dantani, has commended the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi, for ordering the release and approving N3 million compensation for a carpenter, Mustapha Marwana, after investigations cleared him of alleged links to the Ansaru terrorist group.
Marwana, a Katsina indigene, was arrested in connection with
investigations into the abduction and killing of school pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
A DSS investigation panel subsequently found no evidence linking him to membership, financing, logistics or operational activities of Ansaru, according to a security source.
Following the outcome of the investigation, Ajayi ordered Marwana’s immediate release and approved an initial N3 million compensation to assist him with his immediate needs and enable him to restart his livelihood.
Dantani, in a statement, described the development as a demonstration of leadership, professionalism and commitment to justice.
He said the significance of the compensation went beyond the monetary value, arguing that it demonstrated that security and human rights could work together within the framework of the rule of law.
“Security agencies have an extremely difficult responsibility. They must protect citizens, prevent terrorism and investigate serious crimes. In carrying out that responsibility, however, the rule of law requires that every person be treated with dignity,” Dantani said.
He added that while arrest could be necessary for investigation, the state should be willing to acknowledge the consequences suffered by individuals who were ultimately found not to have committed an offence.
“That is why this intervention is important. The decision sends a powerful message that security and human rights are not mutually exclusive,” he said.
Dantani said professionalism in a security institution should not be measured only by its ability to apprehend suspects, but also by its willingness to conduct impartial investigations and release people when evidence did not support allegations against them.
He commended Ajayi for what he described as an exemplary intervention capable of strengthening public confidence in security institutions.
“This is not a criticism of the legitimate work of security agencies. On the contrary, it is a recognition that the credibility of any security institution is measured not only by how effectively it confronts criminals, but also by how fairly it treats those who are ultimately found to be innocent,” he said.
Dantani said the compensation should be viewed as an acknowledgment of the importance of a citizen’s liberty, dignity, livelihood and reputation.
He urged security institutions to continue developing systems in which security, professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights operate together.
“We need more institutions that are strong enough to fight insecurity, but equally courageous enough to correct their mistakes, protect innocent citizens and uphold the dignity of every Nigerian,” Dantani said.
Marwana was subsequently released into the custody of his lawyer, Oghene Forgive, after his discharge from DSS custody.
Dantani, who signed the statement as a human rights activist and lawyer, said the development represented the kind of Nigeria where “security protects liberty, justice guides power, and the rule of law remains supreme.”
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has expressed the appreciation of the people of the state to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the commencement of construction work on the Oko Olowo Bridge.
In a statement on Thursday, the Governor said the project underscores the love of the President for the people of the state and his commitment to public welfare.
“Our advocacy on this bridge began since 2019. We again renewed this advocacy as the President settled down in the office in 2023. I recall visiting the Hon. Minister HE David Umahi in 2024 in company of His Excellency Governor of Kogi State Ahmed Usman Ododo, Hon. Mukhtar Shagaya and Hon. Ahmed Yinka Aluko to further press for urgent construction of the bridge as well as Ilorin-Lokoja Road via Omu Aran,” the Governor said in the statement.
“In a visit to the state in October 2025, the Hon. Minister assured us that work will soon begin on the bridge. So what is happening today is a dream come true and promise kept by the President and the Hon. Minister. We are grateful and we see this as an intentional effort to protect lives and property. It is a relief to tens of thousands of our people who live in that axis or travel along that road every other day. We are also confident that the Hon. Minister will graciously expedite action on our other requests, including the Ilorin-Lokoja via Omu Aran, for the good of our people.
“This Oko Olowo project is one of the many other dividends of democracy that our people have enjoyed, and it is another reason that the people of our state will vote massively for the President and all APC candidates in the coming election.
Troops of Sector 8, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have engaged suspected local militia elements in a fierce firefight during a clearance operation at Kogul Village in Muko District, Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Our correspondent reports that, the operation, conducted between Sept. 8 and 9, followed reports of arson, destruction of farmlands and the expulsion of residents from the community.
During the operation, the troops established contact with the suspected militias and engaged them in a fierce firefight, forcing the criminals to withdraw into the forest.
A soldier, Pte. Husseini Ibrahim, sustained a gunshot wound to his right leg during the encounter and was evacuated to General Hospital, Mangu, for medical attention.
Troops subsequently exploited the general area in an effort to locate and arrest the fleeing criminals and recover their weapons.
However, no further contact was established before the troops returned to base, while operations to track the fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
Troops of Sector 6, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), have neutralised a suspected kidnapper during a gun battle with a group of kidnappers at Angwan Boka in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The troops, who were deployed in the area, engaged the suspected kidnappers at about 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, following a report of their activities in the area.
During the encounter, the troops brought their superior firepower to bear, neutralising one of the kidnappers, while others fled into the surrounding area.
The troops subsequently exploited the area and recovered one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle loaded with six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Zagazola Makama reports that troops are currently conducting clearance operations in the area to track down and neutralise other fleeing members of the kidnapping gang.
The operation is part of ongoing efforts by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE to disrupt criminal activities and improve security across Plateau State.
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