Security officers at a correctional facility in Ogun State have stopped a woman who allegedly attempted to bring a suspected psychoactive substance into the centre for an inmate.
The incident took place at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta, during routine screening of visitors entering the facility.
Officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service identified the woman as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi.
According to Olayinka Odukoya, spokesperson for the Ogun State Command of the NCoS, officers discovered the suspected substance at approximately 1:33 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026.
The substance was reportedly hidden inside a sachet normally used for a popular beverage powder.
Officers Detect Suspected ‘Colos’
The correctional authorities said the material was suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug.
Officials further alleged that the substance was being taken to Sowunmi’s son, Dare Sowunmi, who is an inmate at the facility and reportedly on death row.
The discovery prevented the substance from entering the custodial centre.
The woman was detained following the interception and was later transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation.
The NDLEA is expected to examine the substance and investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt to introduce it into the facility.
Ogun Correctional Authorities React
Reacting to the development, the Controller of Corrections in Ogun State, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance.
He reaffirmed the command’s position that drugs and other prohibited materials would not be tolerated within its custodial facilities.
According to the controller, correctional centres are established to protect society while providing an environment where inmates can undergo reformation and rehabilitation.
He warned that attempts to introduce illegal substances or other contraband into correctional facilities would attract legal action.
Why Prison Screening Remains Important
The incident underscores the importance of security checks at correctional facilities.
Visitors and individuals authorised to enter custodial centres are subject to screening designed to prevent drugs, weapons and other prohibited materials from reaching inmates.
The effectiveness of such checks can be critical to maintaining order and protecting both correctional personnel and inmates.
In this case, the suspected substance was reportedly detected before it could reach the intended recipient.
Further developments will depend on the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.
The allegations against the woman remain allegations unless established through the appropriate legal process.
