Woman arrested for smuggling drugs into prison for son on death row

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested a woman,  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 said to be on death row at the facility.

The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Odukoya said Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.

He said the substance, suspected to be “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed in a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for the inmate.

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.”

Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and adherence to security protocols.

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 urged members of the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, warning that anyone seeking to undermine security would face the full weight of the law.