By Stephen Simon
The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has arrested a woman, Mrs. Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle illicit drugs to her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is on death row at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The incident was confirmed in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya.
According to Odukoya, the suspect was intercepted by vigilant security officers during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance at approximately 1:33 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026.
Search officers discovered a substance suspected to be “Colos”—a potent psychoactive synthetic drug—artfully concealed inside a sachet of a popular powder beverage intended for the condemned inmate.
“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 stated. “The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row.”
Following her immediate detention, Mrs. Sowunmi was transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution in line with inter-agency protocols.
Reacting to the breach attempt, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the gate officers for their vigilance and strict enforcement of security measures.
“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 warned. “Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.”
The Command reiterated its warning to the public against undermining prison security, stressing that anyone caught attempting to bypass facility protocols will face the full extent of the law.
