Woman Arrested For Allegedly Smuggling Drugs To Son On Death Row In Ogun prison

The Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested a woman for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for her son, who is on death row.

According to a report by Newstellers, the suspect, identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, was apprehended during a routine screening exercise at the correctional facility.

The Ogun State Command spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, saying the incident occurred at about 1:33pm on Friday, August 28, 2026.

According to Odukoya, the substance, identified as “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug, was allegedly concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.

He said the package was intended for Dare Sowunmi, an inmate at the facility who is currently on death row.

“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.

The woman was subsequently detained by correctional officers and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

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“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.

The development has renewed concerns over attempts to smuggle prohibited substances and other contraband into correctional facilities despite existing security measures.

The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers involved in the screening exercise for detecting the suspected drug.

Adesina reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining strict security across its facilities, warning that attempts to introduce drugs or other prohibited items would not be tolerated.

“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,” he said.

“Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.”

The command also cautioned members of the public against attempts to compromise security at correctional centres, stressing that anyone found involved would face the law.