By:Odeh Favour Adiya
Operatives of the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service have arrested a woman, Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The suspect was caught while trying to deliver the illicit substance to her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row at the facility.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed the arrest in an official statement on Monday.
Odukoya noted that the suspect was intercepted at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine search at the entrance of the custodial centre.
The suspected drug, believed to be “Colos”—a psychoactive synthetic drug was hidden inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
Details provided by the command’s spokesperson revealed the exact circumstances surrounding the arrest.
“At approximately 1:33pm 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 further added, “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 development, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel at the facility for their alertness and strict adherence to duty.
Addressing the incident, Adesina emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining security within all custodial centres across the state.
“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 stated.
He warned, “Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.”
The command subsequently urged members of the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, warning that anyone caught attempting to breach facility protocols would face the full wrath of the law.
