A woman has been arrested by the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ogun State after allegedly attempting to take a suspected psychoactive substance into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The woman, identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, was reportedly trying to deliver the substance to her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate on death row at the correctional facility.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, when correctional officers conducting routine checks at the centre’s entrance reportedly discovered the substance.
The NCoS spokesperson in Ogun State, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed the arrest of the woman in a statement issued on Monday.
According to him, the suspected drug, described as “colos”, had allegedly been hidden inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
He explained, “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.”
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, praised the officers involved for remaining alert and following established security procedures.
Adesina said the service would continue to take a firm position against attempts to introduce prohibited items into custodial centres.
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 subsequently called on members of the public to uphold the rules governing custodial facilities, stressing that those who attempt to compromise security would be dealt with according to the law.
