The Kano State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has apprehended two individuals for allegedly trying to deliver illicit drugs to inmates during a court session.
Vigilant Officers Thwart Court Complex Smuggling Attempt
According to an official statement released on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the suspects were caught in the act at the Nomansland Court Complex in Kano State. The NCoS spokesperson, Musbahu Lawan, identified the arrested men as Usman Khalid and Bello Musa Ahmed. Both are residents of the Tsamiya (Brigade) area within Kano.
The arrest was executed by officers from the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Goron Dutse, who were deployed to provide security for inmates during their movement to and from court. Lawan explained that the suspects were intercepted as they attempted to throw packages containing Indian hemp and other prohibited substances to inmates while court proceedings were ongoing.
Zero-Tolerance Policy and Handover to NDLEA
The command attributed the successful operation to heightened vigilance by its personnel. They noted that the period of court transportation is often exploited by criminal elements aiming to breach security protocols. Following the arrest, the Controller of the command, Ado Inuwa, directed that the suspects and all recovered illicit substances be immediately transferred to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for a comprehensive investigation and subsequent prosecution.
In its statement, the NCoS issued a stern warning to the public, urging them to refrain from intermingling with inmates, especially during court appearances. The service emphasized that such actions represent a serious security breach and are punishable under Nigerian law.
Reaffirming Commitment to Security and Reformation
The command used the incident to reaffirm its core mandate. It stated an unwavering commitment to the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates and declared that it would not tolerate any act capable of undermining this goal or compromising the security of its custodial facilities and court premises.
The NCoS reiterated its absolute zero-tolerance policy towards drug-related activities within its jurisdiction. It called for continued cooperation from the public to help security agencies maintain law and order throughout Kano State. This arrest underscores the ongoing challenges in preventing contraband from entering the justice system and the proactive measures being taken to address them.
