The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has arrested Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi for allegedly trying to smuggle a psychoactive substance into the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The woman was arrested on Friday, August 28, 2026, during routine screening at the facility’s main entrance. Officers reportedly found a suspicious substance hidden inside a sachet of Milo beverage powder.
The substance was suspected to be “Colos”, a psychoactive synthetic drug.
Ogun State NCoS spokesperson Odukoya Olayinka confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday. He said the package was allegedly meant for inmate Dare Sowunmi, who is on death row, and confirmed that the suspect is his mother.
“At approximately 1:33 p.m. 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 statement said.
“The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row.”
Sowunmi was detained and later handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, praised the officers involved.
“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,” Adesina said, according to Olayinka.
The command warned the public that attempts to breach prison security would attract legal consequences.
The arrest comes weeks after the Ibara centre faced scrutiny over death-row inmate Elijah Oyebode, who allegedly used smuggled smartphones to livestream on TikTok, solicit monetary gifts and place sports bets.
Following the revelations, the NCoS removed the Officer-in-Charge and two other senior officials. Oyebode was also transferred to another facility for enhanced security and monitoring.
