The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested a woman for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son, who is reportedly on death row.
The suspect, identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, was arrested during a routine security screening at the main entrance of the facility on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The Command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the incident occurred at about 1:33 p.m.
According to him, officers discovered a substance suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
Odukoya said the package was allegedly intended for Sowunmi’s son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate at the correctional facility.
He said, “Routine screening procedures at the facility’s main entry point led to the detection of suspicious substances, believed to be the psychoactive synthetic drug commonly known as ‘Colos.’”
The spokesperson added that the suspect was immediately detained and subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and prosecution.
He said, “The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row. Following the interception, officers immediately detained Mrs Sowunmi.”
Reacting to the development, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance and strict adherence to security procedures.
Adesina reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy towards the introduction of drugs and other prohibited items into custodial facilities.
He said, “Our custodial facilities exist to ensure public safety, reformation, and rehabilitation. We maintain an absolute zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking or any illegal acts designed to compromise security.”
The controller warned that individuals who attempt to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities would face legal consequences.
The command also urged members of the public to respect security protocols at custodial centres, stressing that efforts to compromise the safety and integrity of the facilities would be met with appropriate legal action.
