The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has arrested a woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
Sowunmi was reportedly trying to deliver the substance, suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, to her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate on death row at the facility.
The NCoS spokesperson in Ogun State, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Odukoya, the woman was arrested at about 1:33pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during routine screening at the main entrance of the custodial centre.
He said the suspected substance was concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder in an attempt to evade detection by security personnel.
Odukoya said, “At approximately 1:33 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026, 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,’ concealed within a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
“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. In accordance with inter-agency operational protocols, she has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.”
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and strict adherence to established security protocols.
Adesina said the service would not tolerate attempts to introduce illegal substances or other forms of contraband 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.
“Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.”
The Command urged members of the public to respect the integrity and security of custodial institutions, warning that anyone found attempting to compromise security would face the full weight of the law.
