Woman Arrested Trying to Smuggle Drugs to Death-row Son in Ogun Custodial Centre

Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi’s attempt to get contraband to her son behind bars has landed her in the hands of drug enforcement authorities, after officials at a custodial centre in Abeokuta intercepted a suspicious package meant for a death-row inmate.

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service says the woman was caught trying to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, for her son, Dare Sowunmi.

According to the command's spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during 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.

Narrating the incident, Odukoya said, "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."

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.

"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 said, adding, "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, warning that anyone seeking to undermine security would face the full weight of the law.