Officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ogun State have arrested a woman, Iyabo Sowunmi, after catching her with illegal drugs at a prison security check. She was caught trying to sneak the prohibited substances into the Medium Security Custodial Centre located in Ibara, Abeokuta.

The mother had brought the hidden package specifically to give to her son, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently an inmate on death row.

The secret package was uncovered during a routine physical search at the prison’s main entrance gates. Alert security officers noticed something unusual while carefully inspecting a 1kg sachet of a popular Milo chocolate drink she was carrying. Upon opening the container, they found a synthetic drug commonly known on the streets as “Colos” packed neatly inside the beverage powder.

Following the shocking discovery, the suspect was immediately detained on the spot by prison guards. Correctional officers have since transferred her to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for detailed questioning and legal processing. Authorities explained that handovers like this ensure proper court action is taken against anyone breaking drug laws.

The State Controller of Corrections, Kamoru Adesina, commended his team for staying sharp and preventing the illicit drugs from entering the facility. He emphasized that prisons are designed to reform individuals and maintain order, adding that his command has zero tolerance for smuggling attempts. Adesina also warned the public that anyone trying to breach prison security will be caught and punished.

This incident has raised fresh concerns over how far people will go to sneak illegal items into secure facilities. Security protocols across custodial centers in the state are expected to tighten even further to stop similar smuggling attempts in the future. Meanwhile, anti-narcotics agents are working to finish their investigation so formal charges can be filed in court.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper