Prison officers in Ogun State have foiled an alleged attempt by the mother of a death row inmate to smuggle suspected “Colos” into the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.
The suspect, identified as Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, is the mother of Dare Sowunmi, an inmate reportedly on death row at the facility. She was intercepted at about 1:33pm on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a routine screening at the prison’s main entrance.
According to the Ogun State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the substance suspected to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug, was allegedly concealed inside a sachet of a popular beverage powder.
The package was reportedly intended for her son, Dare Sowunmi.
The command’s spokesperson, Olayinka Odukoya, said, “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.”
He added, “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 incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, commended the officers for their vigilance and stressed the service’s zero-tolerance stance on drug trafficking and other forms of contraband.
He warned that anyone attempting to introduce prohibited substances into custodial facilities would face legal consequences.