A woman identified as Shobowale Balikis has been arrested after allegedly attempting to smuggle ethanol into the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, by disguising it as bottled drinking water.
The incident occurred at about 3:50pm on Saturday when correctional officers conducting a routine search reportedly discovered the substance before it could be delivered to an inmate.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Odukoya Olayinka, confirmed the arrest in a statement.
He said the vigilance of officers at the custodial facility led to the interception and seizure of the suspected contraband.
“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,” Olayinka said.
He added that the substance had been concealed in a bottled-water pack and was allegedly intended for an inmate at the facility.
Following the arrest, the suspect was handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, reiterated the Service’s position against the introduction of prohibited substances and other contraband into custodial facilities.
Adesina said the interception demonstrated the commitment of correctional officers to maintaining security and order within the centre.
The command also assured the public that it would continue to strengthen measures aimed at preventing the infiltration of contraband into custodial facilities and protecting the integrity of the correctional system.
