Security operatives at the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have arrested a woman, identified as Balikis Shobowale, after she was caught attempting to sneak contraband alcohol into the facility.
The arrest occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. on Saturday during a routine screening of visitors and provisions meant for inmates.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, Mr. Olayinka Odukoya, revealed that officers intercepted ethanol cleverly disguised as drinking water.
“She was caught concealing ethanol inside a bottled-water pack, disguising it as drinking water intended for an inmate,” Odukoya stated. “The suspect was immediately detained and later handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.”
Commending the vigilance of the officers on duty, the Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Mr. Abioye Adesina, emphasized that the command operates a strict zero-tolerance policy regarding illegal items within custodial facilities.
“The interception demonstrates the determination of the service to protect inmates, preserve order, and uphold the rule of law,” Adesina said.
Warning members of the public against similar attempts, Adesina declared that anyone caught trying to introduce contraband into correctional centres would face swift legal consequences, reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the correctional system.
