A woman identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi has been arrested after allegedly attempting to take a suspected psychoactive substance into the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for her son, who is reportedly on death row.
The incident occurred on Friday, August 28, 2026, during routine screening at the entrance of the correctional facility, according to information attributed to the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Suspected Drug Allegedly Hidden Inside Beverage Sachet
Correctional officers reportedly discovered a suspicious substance concealed inside a sachet of powdered beverage during the screening process.
The substance was suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Authorities said the package was allegedly intended for an inmate identified as Dare Sowunmi, who is reportedly being held on death row at the facility.
The development has drawn attention because of the alleged method used to conceal the suspected contraband and the fact that the intended recipient was reportedly already serving a death sentence.
GhanaMedia.net has previously reported on a major anti-drug operation in Tamale, where six suspects were arrested as police intensified efforts to tackle suspected illegal drug activities.
Mother Handed Over for Further Investigation
Following the discovery, Sowunmi was detained by correctional officers and subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Nigerian Correctional Service said the arrest followed established screening procedures designed to prevent prohibited substances and other forms of contraband from entering custodial facilities.
The incident underscores the security challenges faced by correctional authorities in preventing inmates from gaining access to prohibited substances through visitors and other channels.
Officials Warn Against Prison Contraband
The Ogun State Controller of Corrections, Abioye Adesina, reportedly commended the officers involved in detecting the suspected substance during the screening exercise.
Authorities reiterated that custodial facilities maintain a zero-tolerance position toward drug trafficking, the introduction of contraband and other activities capable of compromising prison security.
The case is now expected to be investigated further by the relevant law-enforcement authorities, including the NDLEA.
The development comes amid broader concerns over attempts to move illicit substances into correctional facilities, an issue that continues to challenge prison authorities in Nigeria and other countries.
GhanaMedia.net recently reported on a British-Ghanaian man convicted in a major cannabis-smuggling operation involving an estimated £13.8 million worth of cannabis, highlighting the international dimensions of organised drug trafficking.
What Happens Next?
The arrest does not by itself establish criminal guilt. Investigators will have to determine the nature of the substance, where it came from, whether it was intended for the inmate and whether other people were involved.
The woman is expected to face the appropriate legal process if investigators establish sufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
The case also raises questions about how prohibited substances can be detected and intercepted before reaching inmates, particularly in facilities housing prisoners facing serious criminal sentences.
GhanaMedia.net will continue to follow developments as investigators determine the substance involved, the circumstances surrounding the alleged smuggling attempt and any subsequent legal action.
Related GhanaMedia.net Reports
Read GhanaMedia.net’s report on the Tamale anti-drug operation, the £13.8 million British-Ghanaian cannabis-smuggling case, and our wider Ghana News and Crime coverage.
Sources
- The PUNCH — Woman arrested for allegedly smuggling drugs into Ogun prison
- Premium Times — Woman arrested over alleged attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into Ogun prison
- Vanguard — Ogun prison drug-smuggling arrest report
GhanaMedia.net will continue monitoring the case for further developments.
