In a bold but failed attempt to sneak illicit substances into a correctional facility, two individuals were apprehended at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Akure, Ondo State, after authorities discovered approximately four grams of Indian hemp cleverly hidden inside fresh tomatoes. The incident, which occurred on January 13, 2026, underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria's correctional services in combating drug trafficking within prisons.
The suspects, identified as 37-year-old Isaac Nimjul from Langtang North Local Government Area in Plateau State and 34-year-old Jenifa Yaro from Jos South Local Government Area in the same state, had visited the facility ostensibly to deliver items to an inmate. During a routine security check at the gate lodge, vigilant officers uncovered the contraband, which was wrapped in waterproof nylon and embedded within the tomatoes.
According to a statement from the Ondo State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, the discovery was made possible by the officers' professionalism and adherence to strict security protocols. The suspects were immediately arrested and transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and potential prosecution, as directed by the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche.
Ondo State Controller of Corrections, CC Oyewole Charles (JP), praised the team for their alertness, emphasizing the command's zero-tolerance policy toward illicit activities. "We remain unwavering in our commitment to maintaining secure and humane custodial facilities, while ensuring that all forms of trafficking in illicit substances are decisively stamped out of the correctional system nationwide," he stated.
The Command's Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Oyewole Akinwumi, detailed the operation in an official release, noting that such attempts not only endanger the rehabilitation process for inmates but also pose significant risks to prison staff and the broader community.
This case echoes similar incidents across the country, including a recent arrest in Kano where two men were caught trying to smuggle drugs to court inmates. Experts warn that these smuggling efforts are often linked to broader networks supplying prohibited substances to prisons, potentially fueling addiction and unrest inside.
While the motives behind Nimjul and Yaro's actions remain under investigation, community observers speculate on the desperation or ingenuity involved in such schemes. The woman's expression in photos from the scene suggests frustration, perhaps at the plan's failure, but officials stress that speculation should not overshadow the facts.
As the NDLEA probes deeper, this event serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced vigilance and public awareness to curb drug-related crimes. The Nigerian Correctional Service continues to urge visitors to comply with regulations to avoid similar fates.