NEWS
Woman Arrested Over Alleged Attempt to Smuggle Suspected Illicit Drug ‘Colos’ to Son on Death Row in Ogun Prison
A woman identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi has been arrested by officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ogun State after she allegedly attempted to smuggle a substance suspected to be an illicit psychoactive drug into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The woman was reportedly attempting to deliver the suspected substance to her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate said to be currently on death row at the custodial facility.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine security screening at the main entrance of the correctional centre.
According to the Ogun State Command of the NCoS, the vigilance of correctional officers led to the discovery of the suspicious substance before it could make its way into the facility.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday, explaining that the incident happened at approximately 1:33pm.
According to the statement, the suspected drug was cleverly concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder, apparently in an attempt to make it appear like an ordinary consumable item during the screening process.
The substance was suspected to be “C@los,” a psychoactive synthetic dr¥g, and investigators believe it was intended for the inmate.
Odukoya 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 dr¥g commonly known as ‘C@los,’ 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 de@th 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.”
The arrest highlights the stringent security measures maintained at custodial facilities, where visitors and packages are subjected to screening to prevent the introduction of prohibited substances, weapons and other forms of contraband.
The alleged attempt also underscores the challenges correctional authorities face in preventing illicit materials from reaching inmates, particularly in cases involving visitors seeking to provide prohibited items to persons in custody.
Following the interception, the NCoS handed Mrs Sowunmi over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution. The suspected substance is expected to undergo forensic examination as authorities work to establish its exact composition and determine whether it constitutes an offence under applicable drug laws.
Reacting to the development, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers involved for their vigilance and adherence to established security protocols.
Adesina reaffirmed the command’s position that there would be no tolerance for drug trafficking, smuggling of contraband or any other activity capable of undermining the safety and security of custodial centres.
He warned that individuals who attempt to exploit visitation arrangements or conceal prohibited materials in packages intended for inmates would face legal consequences.
The command further stressed that its officers would continue to maintain heightened vigilance at entry points and during routine screening exercises to prevent criminal networks or individuals from compromising the security of correctional facilities.
With the suspected substance now in the custody of the relevant law-enforcement authorities, the case is expected to proceed through investigation and prosecution in accordance with the law.