- Safiu Kehinde
A middle-aged woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, has been arrested over alleged attempt to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is reportedly on death row.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, Olayinka Odukoya.
According to Odukoya, Sowunmi was arrested at about 1:33pm on Friday during a routine screening at the facility’s main entrance.
He said the substance, suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, was concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder and was allegedly intended for the inmate.
“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.” He said.
Reacting, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance, stressing that the service maintains zero tolerance for drug trafficking and other acts capable of compromising security.
He warned that anyone attempting to introduce contraband into custodial facilities would face swift legal action.