The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service 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 reportedly on death row at the facility.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
According to Odukoya, Mrs. Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening exercise at the custodial centre’s main entrance.
He said officers discovered a substance suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, allegedly concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
Odukoya explained that the substance was reportedly being brought into the facility for Dare Sowunmi, an inmate currently on death row.
He 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 development, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their alertness and strict compliance with established security procedures.
Adesina 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 also appealed to members of the public to respect the integrity and security of custodial institutions, warning that individuals who attempt to compromise security would face the full weight of the law.
