By Ado Oyeyemi
Correctional officers at the Ibara Custodial Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have intercepted a woman, Shobowale Balikis, allegedly attempting to smuggle alcohol disguised as bottled water into the facility.
Balikis was arrested at about 3:50pm on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after officials detected ethanol concealed in a pack of bottled water during a routine search.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Odukoya Olayinka, confirmed the incident, saying the vigilance of the correctional officers prevented the substance from reaching an inmate.
Olayinka said the suspect had been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and prosecution.
He said, “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.
“She was caught concealing ethanol inside a bottled-water pack, disguising it as drinking water intended for an inmate.”
The PRO added that the interception was made during a routine security check at the custodial centre.
The Controller of Corrections, Ogun State Command, Abioye Kamoru Adesina, reiterated the Service’s zero-tolerance policy towards the smuggling of prohibited items into custodial facilities.
Adesina said the interception underscored the determination of correctional authorities to maintain order, protect inmates and uphold the rule of law within the centres.
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The command assured the public that it would continue to strengthen measures against the infiltration of contraband and safeguard the integrity custodial system.
