The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ogun State has arrested a woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle a suspected psychoactive drug into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The substance, suspected to be “Colos”, was allegedly concealed in a sachet of a popular beverage powder and intended for her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate on death row at the facility.
The NCoS spokesperson in Ogun State, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed the arrest in a statement.
According to Odukoya, the woman was intercepted during routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.
He said officers detected the suspicious substance during the screening and immediately detained Mrs Sowunmi.
“The 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.
He added that the substance was allegedly being delivered to Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row.
“Following the interception, officers immediately detained Mrs Sowunmi,” he said.
Odukoya said the suspect had since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for investigation and prosecution.
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance and compliance with security procedures.
“Our custodial facilities exist to ensure public safety, reformation, and rehabilitation,” Adesina said.
He added: “We maintain an absolute zero-tolerance policy for drug trafficking or any illegal acts designed to compromise security.”
Adesina warned that attempts to introduce contraband into correctional facilities would attract legal action.
The command also urged members of the public to respect the security of custodial institutions, warning that anyone attempting to undermine prison security would face the law.
