Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi was arrested by the Nigerian Correctional Service in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Friday, August 28, 2026, after officers allegedly intercepted a suspected psychoactive substance she was attempting to take into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, for her son, Dare Sowunmi, an inmate on death row.

The incident occurred at about 1:33pm during routine screening at the facility’s main entrance, according to the Nigerian Correctional Service.

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Officials said the substance, described as “colos”, was allegedly concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder in an apparent attempt to evade security checks.

Olayinka Odukoya, spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ogun State, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Monday.

“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,” Odukoya said.

According to the service, officers detained Sowunmi immediately after the substance was discovered and subsequently transferred her to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row,” Odukoya said.

The development highlights the continuing security challenges faced by custodial authorities as they seek to prevent prohibited substances and other contraband from entering correctional facilities.

The Nigerian Correctional Service said the discovery was made through established screening procedures, with officers maintaining vigilance at the facility’s entrance.

Abioye Adesina, Controller of Corrections in Ogun State, commended the officers involved and stressed the importance of maintaining strict security standards within custodial centres.

“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,” Adesina said.

He warned that attempts to introduce prohibited items into correctional facilities would attract legal consequences.

“Attempts to introduce contraband into our facilities will be met with swift legal action,” he added.

The suspect’s transfer to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency means the alleged offence will now be subject to further investigation.

Any determination of criminal liability will depend on the outcome of that process and the applicable legal proceedings.

The Ogun State Command also urged members of the public to comply with regulations governing visits and deliveries to custodial facilities.

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The incident comes as correctional authorities continue to rely on screening, surveillance and cooperation with other security agencies to protect inmates, staff and the wider public from activities that could undermine custodial security.