Vigilant officers have intercepted a woman attempting smuggling drugs into the Ibara Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abeokuta. Officers from the Ogun State Correctional Service arrested Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi after discovering illicit substances hidden inside a beverage packet intended for her son, a condemned inmate serving time on death row.
The incident unfolded during standard visitor checks at the facility entrance, where search routines quickly uncovered the hidden contraband. Authorities confirmed that the suspect attempted to pass off the synthetic drug Colos Abeokuta officers have been monitoring as a regular food package during visiting hours.
The spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Odukoya said Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance. He said the substance, suspected to be “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed in a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for the inmate.
Giving further details of the breach, Odukoya explained how officers flagged the suspicious package during entry clearance.
He 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 drug commonly known as ‘Colos,’ 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 death 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.”
Intercepting Ibara Prison Contraband at Entry Points
The interception highlights the ongoing efforts by custodial staff to stop smuggling drugs into maximum and medium security facilities across the state. With death row blocks subject to strict internal monitoring, gate screening remains the first line of defence against illicit items entering the facility.
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the security personnel for their vigilance and adherence to security protocols.
Adesina said, “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.
“Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action.”
Ogun State Correctional Service Maintains Strict Vigilance
The command urged members of the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, warning that anyone seeking to undermine security would face the full weight of the law.
With the suspect now in the custody of anti-narcotic agents, state officials have reiterated that security checks across all entrance gates will remain at maximum operational levels to prevent Ibara prison contraband from slipping past search lines.
