A woman identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs to her son, a death row inmate at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Sowunmi was reportedly arrested on Friday during routine screening at the prison’s main entrance after correctional officers allegedly discovered a suspicious substance concealed inside a sachet of Milo beverage powder.
Suspected ‘Colos’ Hidden In Beverage Sachet
The substance was suspected to be “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug.
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, said the woman was allegedly attempting to deliver the package to an inmate identified as Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row.
The command’s spokesperson, Odukoya Olayinka, confirmed the arrest in a statement obtained by Daily Trust on Monday.
According to him, the substance was detected at about 1:33 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, during routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.
“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 NCoS said.
Suspect Handed Over To NDLEA
The correctional service said officers immediately detained Sowunmi following the discovery.
She was subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Olayinka also confirmed that the suspect is the mother of the inmate who was allegedly meant to receive the substance.
NCoS Warns Against Smuggling Contraband
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance and adherence to established security procedures.
“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 said.
He warned that anyone attempting to introduce prohibited items into custodial facilities would face legal consequences.
“Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action,” he added.
The command subsequently urged members of the public to respect the integrity and security of custodial institutions.
Arrest Comes Amid Ibara Prison Controversy
The latest incident comes weeks after the Ibara custodial centre came under public scrutiny following reports that a death row inmate, Elijah Oyebode, had been hosting TikTok livestreams from behind bars.
Oyebode, who was sentenced to death in 2019 for the murder of a final-year university student, was reportedly operating TikTok accounts, hosting livestreams, receiving virtual gifts, conducting business activities and placing sports bets while in custody.
The development triggered widespread criticism and raised questions over security procedures at the facility.
Officers Removed After TikTok Scandal
Following the controversy, the NCoS removed the Officer-in-Charge of the Ibara Medium Custodial Centre and two other principal officers.
The latest arrest has again drawn attention to efforts by correctional authorities to prevent the introduction of drugs and other prohibited items into custodial facilities.
