Woman arrested for trying to smuggle drugs into prison for her son

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has arrested a woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into the Medium Security Detention Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is said to be on death row at the facility.

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

Odukoya said Sowunmi was arrested at around 1.33pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine inspection at the main entrance of the facility.

He said the substance, thought to be “Colos”, a synthetic psychoactive drug, was hidden in powder packets of the popular drink and was allegedly intended for prisoners.

He explained, “At approximately 13.33 on Friday, 28 August 2026, a routine inspection procedure at the main entrance of the facility successfully detected suspicious substances, believed to be a synthetic psychoactive drug commonly known as ‘Colos’, hidden in packets of popular drink powder.

“The suspect wanted to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently serving a death sentence. After the ambush, officers immediately detained Ms. Sowunmi. In accordance with inter-agency operational protocols, she has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for thorough investigation and prosecution.”

Reacting to the incident, the Superintendent of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina appreciated the security operatives for their vigilance and compliance with security protocols.

Adesina said, “Our custodial facilities exist to ensure public safety, reform and rehabilitation. We maintain an absolute zero tolerance policy for drug trafficking or any illegal act 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, and warned that anyone attempting to undermine security would face severe legal penalties.