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By ify Okoli

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) in Ogun State has arrested a woman, Shobowale Balikis, over an alleged attempt to take alcohol into the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, with the substance reportedly hidden inside a bottled-water pack.

According to the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Odukoya, correctional officers stopped Balikis at about 3:50pm on Saturday during efforts to prevent prohibited items from entering the facility.

Odukoya said officers discovered a substance identified as “Ethano” concealed in a bottled-water pack. The packaging, he said, was allegedly used to make the substance appear like ordinary drinking water intended for an inmate.

The NCoS spokesman said the suspected contraband was detected before it could get inside the custodial centre. Balikis was subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The incident has prompted renewed attention to efforts by correctional authorities to prevent prohibited substances from reaching inmates. The command said the interception demonstrated the importance of screening people and items entering its facilities.

Controller of Corrections for Ogun State, Abioye Adesina, described the arrest as evidence of the command’s position against attempts to introduce contraband into custodial centres across the state.

Adesina said the service remained focused on maintaining safety, discipline and integrity within its facilities, while protecting inmates and ensuring that established rules and procedures were respected.

The command also said it would strengthen measures aimed at stopping prohibited items from entering custodial facilities. It assured the public that protecting the security and integrity of the correctional system remained a priority.

The latest arrest comes only weeks after another woman was detained at the same Ibara facility over an alleged attempt to bring suspected illicit drugs into the centre.

On August 31, 2026, the NCoS announced the arrest of Mrs Iyabo Sowunmi following an incident at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Ibara, Abeokuta.

Sowunmi was reportedly intercepted during routine screening at the facility’s main entrance at about 1:33pm on Friday, August 28. Authorities alleged that the suspected drugs were intended for her son, Dare Sowunmi.

Dare was reportedly being held on death row at the facility when the incident occurred. The two cases, occurring within a matter of weeks, underline the continuing challenge faced by correctional authorities in controlling what enters custodial centres.

For the Ogun command, the latest interception adds another case to its ongoing efforts to tighten security around inmates and restrict access to substances and other items considered a threat to order inside the facility.