Mother Apprehended Smuggling Illicit Drugs for Son in Ogun Prison

The Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has announced the arrest of Mrs. Iyabo Sowunmi, who allegedly attempted to introduce prohibited substances into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta. Mrs. Sowunmi reportedly intended to deliver the suspected illicit drugs to her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate currently on death row at the facility.

Olayinka Odukoya, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, revealed this information through a press statement issued on Monday. According to Odukoya, Mrs. Sowunmi's apprehension occurred around 1:33 PM on Friday, August 28, 2026. She was caught during a standard security check at the facility’s main entrance.

The substance, believed to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, was ingeniously hidden within a sachet of a well-known beverage powder. This package was allegedly meant for her son, Dare Sowunmi.

Elaborating on the incident, Odukoya stated, “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 security breach, Abioye Adesina, the Controller of Corrections for the Ogun State Command, lauded the vigilance and adherence to security protocols demonstrated by the personnel. Adesina emphasized the command’s firm stance, stating, “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.”

The command further appealed to the public to uphold the sanctity of correctional institutions, issuing a stern warning that any individual found attempting to undermine security would face the full consequences of the law.