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, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is on death row at the facility.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
According to Odukoya, Mrs Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.
He said the substance, suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for Dare Sowunmi.
“At approximately 1:33 p.m. 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,” Odukoya said.
He added that the suspect was attempting to deliver the package to Dare Sowunmi, an inmate 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,” he said.
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance and adherence to established security protocols.
“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,” Adesina said.
“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 of custodial institutions, warning that anyone found attempting to compromise security or smuggle contraband into correctional facilities would face the full weight of the law.
