The Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, has arrested a woman, Shobowale Balikis, for allegedly attempting to smuggle alcohol into the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta. According to the command's Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Odukoya, the substance, identified as "Ethano," was concealed inside a bottled-water pack in an attempt to disguise it as ordinary drinking water. The woman was reportedly intercepted at about 3:50 pm on Saturday by vigilant correctional officers.
The substance was detected during screening before it could reach the inmate population. Odukoya said Balikis had subsequently been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution. The swift intervention of the officers prevented the prohibited substance from entering the custodial facility. This incident highlights the strict measures taken by the Nigerian Correctional Service to prevent the smuggling of contraband into custodial centres.
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Adesina, described the arrest as another indication of the command's zero-tolerance policy towards the smuggling of contraband into custodial centres. Adesina reaffirmed the command's commitment to maintaining safety, discipline, and integrity within its facilities, adding that the service would continue to protect inmates, preserve order, and uphold the rule of law.
The command also assured members of the public that it would intensify screening and other security measures to prevent the infiltration of contraband into custodial facilities. This move is aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of inmates and staff within the facilities. The Nigerian Correctional Service has been working to strengthen its security measures to prevent such incidents.
The latest incident occurred weeks after the command announced the arrest of another woman, Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi, for allegedly attempting to smuggle suspected illicit drugs into the same Ibara custodial facility. Sowunmi was reportedly arrested during routine screening at the facility's main entrance on August 28, 2026, with the suspected drugs allegedly intended for her son, Dare Sowunmi, who was said to be on death row at the facility.
The Nigerian Correctional Service has been working to prevent the smuggling of contraband into custodial facilities. The service has been conducting regular screenings and inspections to detect and prevent such incidents. The arrest of Balikis and Sowunmi demonstrates the service's commitment to maintaining safety and security within its facilities.
The Controller of Corrections, Abioye Adesina, has reiterated the command's commitment to protecting inmates and staff within its facilities. The service will continue to work to prevent the smuggling of contraband and maintain safety and security within its facilities. The arrest of Balikis is a testament to the service's efforts to maintain a safe and secure environment.
Key points
- The Nigerian Correctional Service, Ogun State Command, arrested a woman, Shobowale Balikis, for allegedly attempting to smuggle alcohol into the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta.
- The command has intensified screening and other security measures to prevent the infiltration of contraband into custodial facilities.
- This incident highlights the strict measures taken by the Nigerian Correctional Service to prevent the smuggling of contraband into custodial centres.
