A woman, identified as Shobowale Balikis, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle alcohol into the Ibara Custodial Centre in Ogun State after concealing the substance in a bottled water pack.
Balikis was intercepted by vigilant correctional officers at about 3:50 pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, while allegedly attempting to deliver the substance to an inmate at the facility.
Olayinka Odukoya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Ogun State Command, disclosed the incident in a statement released on Sunday.
According to Odukoya, the suspect disguised the substance as drinking water to evade security checks at the custodial centre.
“At about 15:50 hours today, 26th September 2026, vigilant officials at the Ibara Custodial Centre intercepted a woman, identified as Shobowale Balikis, in an attempt to smuggle contraband into the facility,” the statement read.
“She was caught concealing Ethano inside a bottled water pack, disguising it as drinking water intended for an inmate.”
The correctional service spokesperson said officers detected the substance before it could reach the inmate population.
He added that Balikis had subsequently been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation, with possible prosecution expected to follow.
Odukoya stated that the interception demonstrated the vigilance of correctional officers in preventing prohibited substances from entering custodial facilities.
Ogun correctional service warns against contraband
Reacting to the incident, the Controller of Corrections in Ogun State, Abioye Adesina, reiterated the command’s zero-tolerance policy on the smuggling of contraband into custodial centres.
Adesina, according to the statement, said the incident underscored the service’s commitment to maintaining safety, discipline and integrity within correctional facilities.
He added that the command would sustain efforts to protect inmates, preserve order and uphold the rule of law.
The Ogun State Command also assured members of the public that it would continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing the infiltration of prohibited substances into custodial facilities.
The command said such efforts were necessary to safeguard the integrity of the correctional system and maintain security within its facilities.
Balikis’ arrest comes amid the correctional service’s enforcement of security measures against the introduction of prohibited items into custodial centres.
The police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the alleged attempt and determine whether charges will be brought against the suspect.
