Woman arrested for alleged attempt to smuggle illicit drugs into Ogun prison

A woman was arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle a psychoactive synthetic drug called “Colos” into the Ogun State Medium Security Custodial Centre in Abeokuta. The arrest took place on Friday, August 28, around 1:33 p.m., during routine screening at the prison's main entrance. The suspect, identified as Mrs. Iyabo Sowunmi, was apprehended after correctional officers discovered suspicious substances hidden inside a 1kg sachet of Milo beverage powder. The substance was suspected to be Colos, which is known for its psychoactive properties. The suspect was immediately detained and later transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution. According to the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, the suspect was attempting to deliver the package to her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently serving a death sentence at the facility. The NCoS spokesperson, Odukoya Olayinka, confirmed the incident to journalists on Monday. He stated that the discovery occurred during standard screening procedures at the facility’s main entry point. The suspect was handed over to NDLEA for legal proceedings. The state controller of corrections, Abioye Adesina, praised the officers for their vigilance and strict enforcement of security protocols. Adesina emphasized the service’s zero-tolerance stance toward drug trafficking and the introduction of contraband into custodial facilities. He warned that any attempt to undermine security would result in severe legal consequences. This incident follows a recent investigative report by Premium Times Nigeria, co-published with Nigerian Tribune, which highlighted vulnerabilities in the security of the same custodial center. The report revealed that a convicted murderer named Elijah Oyebode, who is also on death row, had been conducting live-streaming sessions via TikTok from inside the facility. Oyebode claimed that inmates had access to mobile phones and internet connections, and that contraband, including phones and drugs, could be smuggled into the prison. He alleged that some correctional officers were complicit in facilitating the movement of these items. The Nigerian Correctional Service acknowledged the risks posed by unauthorized digital access and warned that such practices could enable inmates to engage in coordinated criminal activities from within prison walls. In response to the recent arrest, Adesina reiterated the authority’s commitment to maintaining secure environments for both inmates and the broader community. He stressed that custodial facilities serve the purposes of public safety, reformation, and rehabilitation, and that any actions aimed at compromising this mission would not be tolerated. The correctional service continues to implement stricter screening measures to prevent the entry of illicit substances and unauthorized devices into the facility. They have also issued warnings to the public to respect institutional integrity and adhere to established security guidelines when visiting inmates. The case underscores ongoing challenges faced by correctional services in preventing the smuggling of contraband into prisons. While the current incident involves a mother attempting to assist her incarcerated son, it reflects broader systemic issues related to oversight and accountability within custodial institutions. Authorities are working to strengthen protocols and ensure that all individuals, whether visitors or staff, comply with the rules governing the operation of these facilities. As investigations into the recent arrests and past security lapses continue, the focus remains on reinforcing the rule of law and upholding the integrity of the justice system.