Mother Arrested For Smuggling Drugs Into Ogun Prison For Son On Death Row

Authorities at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Ibara, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have arrested a female visitor accused of attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the facility.

The suspect, Mrs. Iyabo Sowunmi, was apprehended on Friday during routine screening at the prison’s main entrance.

Correctional officers reportedly discovered a suspicious substance hidden inside a sachet of Milo beverage powder. The substance is believed to be “Colos,” a psychoactive synthetic drug.

Spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, Odukoya Olayinka, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Monday. He explained that the package was intended for an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row, and further 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 suspect was attempting to deliver the package to an inmate, Dare Sowunmi, who is currently on death row,” the NCoS said.

Following the interception, Mrs. Sowunmi was detained and subsequently handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.

Olayinka also quoted the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, who praised the vigilance of the security personnel:

“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,” Olayinka said.

The spokesperson urged the public to respect the integrity of custodial institutions, warning that any attempt to undermine prison security would attract the full weight of the law.

The prison recently drew public attention after revelations that a death row inmate had been livestreaming on TikTok from inside his cell.

Elijah Oyebode, convicted of murder and serving a death sentence, was found to have used smuggled smartphones to broadcast live sessions, solicit monetary gifts, and place bets on sports events.

An investigative report exposing these activities sparked widespread outrage.

In response, the NCoS removed the Officer-in-Charge of the facility along with two other senior officials, and transferred Oyebode to a more secure prison with enhanced monitoring measures.(SaharaReporters)