ABEOKUTA — A woman has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle a synthetic drug into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son who is on death row.
The suspect, identified as Iyabo Sowunmi, was apprehended by officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, during routine screening at the facility’s entrance.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, the incident occurred at about 1:33 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Odukoya said officers discovered a substance suspected to be Colos, a potent psychoactive synthetic drug, hidden inside a sachet of a popular beverage drink. The package was allegedly meant for an inmate, Dare Sowunmi.
“The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate who is currently on death row. Following the interception, officers immediately detained the woman,” Odukoya said in the statement.
He added that the suspect has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, for further investigation and prosecution in line with inter-agency protocols.
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, praised the officers on duty for their alertness.
Adesina reiterated the service’s zero-tolerance stance on trafficking and contraband.
“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,” he said.
The Command warned members of the public against attempts to compromise the security of correctional facilities, stating that offenders will face the full weight of the law.
